Journal of Aligner Orthodontics, 03/2024

This case report describes the successful treatment of an 11-year-old girl with skeletal Class II malocclusion, mandibular retrognathism and anterior crowding using clear aligners. The treatment strategy included extraction of the four first premolars to resolve dental crowding, the use of Class II elastics to achieve bite jumping and canine and molar Class I occlusion, and delicate vertical control to improve the patient’s lateral profile. After 4 years of treatment, all the treatment objectives, including dental alignment, mandibular repositioning and improvement of the lateral profile, were achieved successfully. The present case demonstrates the effectiveness of and advantages offered by clear aligners and Class II elastics as an alternative treatment option for adolescent patients with Class II malocclusion and severe crowding. Keywords: bite jumping, Class II malocclusion, growing patient, Invisalign, mandibular retrusion, premolar extraction

Aligner therapy offers a valuable alternative to fixed appliance treatment in young and adult patients, making it possible to reduce potential side effects and providing an aesthetic therapeutic option. In some patients, abrasions, changes of tooth shape or loss of tooth substance require an additional tooth restoration to obtain an optimal outcome that satisfies the patient. Instead of reducing healthy tooth substance for the preparation of a crown or veneer, the development of composite in the past few years has led to improved results in terms of both longevity and aesthetics. The present article outlines different patient examples of interdisciplinary treatment with aligner orthodontics followed by minimally invasive restorations with composites on anterior teeth. Keywords: aligner orthodontics, attachments, composite, in-office aligners, interdisciplinary dentistry, Invisalign, minimally invasive restorations, OnyxCeph Aligner 3D software

In-office aligner production is increasing in popularity in orthodontic practices worldwide. A smooth workflow allows the clinician to gain absolute control of the treatment plan, design and manufacturing process. The incorporation of automatic trimming machines further reduces the amount of labour undertaken by the orthodontic team. Nevertheless, hand polishing is still required. The present authors describe a novel, cost-effective and easy to implement approach to eliminate this final manufacturing step. Keywords: automatic aligner trimming, digital dentistry, economic evaluation, finishing, materials, non-manual aligner polishing, thermoplastic

As the use of clear aligners in orthodontic practice has increased significantly, interproximal reduction is frequently recommended, and is included in the planning of most cases. At the current stage of development of virtual planning, indications for locations in which to perform interproximal reduction do not consider local factors that may interfere with or even contraindicate the procedure, such as sensitivity, the occurrence of previous interproximal reduction and shape/size discrepancy. Interproximal reduction is an invasive and irreversible procedure, and must therefore be planned and executed in such a way as to re-anatomise the crowns, giving them macro- and microscopic characteristics similar to natural ones. The present article aims to shed light on some of the most important factors related to the use of interproximal reduction in clinical practice, especially when associated with clear aligner treatment, so that the treatment goals can be achieved with minimal risk of harm. Keywords: enamel stripping, interproximal reduction, tooth size discrepancy