Sequential soft tissue augmentation after occlusal trauma adjustment using clear aligners: a case report

Abstract

Orthodontic therapy is an important component of a phased periodontal treatment plan. Clear aligners are becoming increasingly used in orthodontics. This case report describes the combined orthodontic-periodontal treatment performed on a 25-year-old female diagnosed with an Angle class II division 2 malocclusion with deep overbite and severe chronic periodontitis (stage III/grade C). The patient received a combination of periodontal therapy and orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Basic periodontal treatment was used to control plaque and eliminate inflammation, and periodontal surgery was conducted to restore gingival esthetics. For this patient, the combined treatment achieved an ideal occlusal relationship with no progression of periodontal inflammation. Active treatment was completed within 45 months, and the patient was satisfied with both the functional and esthetic outcomes. During the 22-month follow-up, the treatment results remained stable. This case demonstrates that combining clear aligners with periodontal therapy and early relief of occlusal trauma is feasible in patients with periodontal inflammation that is effectively controlled. For selected patients with periodontitis, clear aligners may be a valuable option for improving soft- and hard-tissue esthetics, although this will need confirmation in larger-scale studies.

Keywords

Periodontal surgery / aligners / esthetics / root resorption

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