Clear aligner therapy among orthodontists in Turkey: practice patterns and comparison with previously reported Iranian findings.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to investigate clear aligner therapy (CAT) practice patterns among Turkish orthodontists and compare them with Iranian specialist orthodontists. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional survey of Turkish specialist orthodontists assessed CAT use, adjuncts, training, case selection by malocclusion and age, monitoring and retention protocols, and perceived advantages/disadvantages. Findings were compared with a previously published survey of 142 Iranian orthodontists. RESULTS: A total of 178 Turkish orthodontists participated (7.5% response rate; 71 males, 107 females). Most were aged 30-39 years (53.9%), had 11-20 years of experience (42.1%), and worked in private practice (62.9%). CAT use was reported by 96.1% of Turkish orthodontists versus 69.0% of Iranian orthodontists. More Turkish orthodontists initiated >50 new CAT cases annually (33.1% vs. 7.7%), while fewer reported <10 cases/year (18.0% vs. 35.9%). CAT use was significantly higher in Turkey across all age groups (P < 0.001). Preferences were similar for mild crowding, spacing, and anterior cross-bite. Turkish orthodontists more frequently used CAT for complex cases, including mild/moderate open bite and severe crowding (P < 0.05). CAT was preferred more for limited extraction and space-opening cases than orthognathic surgery cases. Iranian orthodontists more commonly used local manufacturers (49.3% vs. 15.7%) and in-office aligner production (19% vs. 9%). Perceptions regarding CAT advantages and limitations were largely similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Among respondents, CAT was more widely integrated into orthodontic practice in Turkey, with broader self-reported clinical indications and more positive clinician perceptions than in Iran. Iranian orthodontists relied more on locally manufactured and in-office aligners.