TITLE:
Perception of Moroccan Orthodontists Regarding Orthodontic Treatment with Aligners versus Fixed Appliances
AUTHORS:
Lahcen Ousehal, Douaa Chkhayess, Hiba Kabak, Ikrame Dahri, Mohamed Hajouli, Abdessamad Sabere
KEYWORDS:
Clear Aligners, Fixed Appliances, Orthodontists, Perceptions, Cross-Sectional Survey, Morocco
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe Moroccan orthodontists’ self-reported perceptions of clear aligners and fixed appliances, with particular attention to perceived treatment advantages, predictability of tooth movements, treatment indications, and patient-related outcomes. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Morocco from 25 October to 20 November 2023 among orthodontic practitioners using clear aligners. The original study analyzed 108 questionnaires. The instrument included multiple-choice questions and three-point satisfaction ratings. The source document did not establish a verifiable invitation denominator or response rate. Results: Of the 108 respondents, 65 (60.2%) practiced in Casablanca. Clinicians most frequently endorsed aesthetics (92.6%) and easier oral hygiene (80.6%) as advantages of aligners, and suitability for complex cases (86.1%) as an advantage of fixed appliances. The proportions reporting satisfaction with aligners were 88.9% for Class I crowding and 20.4% for extraction cases. Perceived advantages for periodontal health (70.4%), root-resorption risk (54.6%), and patient satisfaction with final outcomes (94.4%) were practitioner-reported judgments, not independently measured clinical or patient outcomes. Conclusion: Respondents perceived aligners as advantageous for aesthetics, hygiene, and comfort and fixed appliances as advantageous for complex cases and movement control. Findings reflect orthodontists’ opinions and cannot establish comparative clinical efficacy or patient outcomes.