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Maxillary space closure using a digital manufactured Mesialslider in a single appointment workflow
Lynn Wilhelmy1,2, Jan H Willmann2, Nour Eldin Tarraf3,4
1Department of Orthodontics, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Korean Journal of Orthodontics
|April 14, 2022
Summary
Digital technology, including CAD/CAM, enabled a novel appliance (Mesialslider) for precise molar movement in a patient with a missing incisor. This approach avoided anchorage loss and improved patient comfort.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dental Technology
- Biomaterials and Digital Fabrication
Background:
- Congenitally missing lateral incisors often require orthodontic space closure.
- Traditional methods can lead to anchorage loss and multiple appointments.
- Digital technologies offer potential for improved clinical efficiency and outcomes.
Observation:
- A skeletally anchored mesialization appliance (Mesialslider) was fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
- The appliance was used for space closure in a 12-year-old female patient with a congenitally missing lateral incisor.
- Mini-implants and the appliance were inserted in a single appointment.
Findings:
- The Mesialslider appliance achieved bodily molar movement for space closure.
- No anchorage loss, such as anterior midline deviation or anterior tooth tilting, was observed.
- Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) facilitated safe and precise mini-implant insertion.
Implications:
- CAD/CAM technology enhances precision and safety in orthodontic mini-implant placement.
- Skeletally anchored appliances can improve patient comfort by reducing office visits and eliminating traditional orthodontic components.
- Digital fabrication of orthodontic appliances offers a streamlined approach to complex space closure cases.
