A surgical perspective on removable orthodontics and unidentified supernumerary teeth: are we aligned?

Patients undergoing orthodontics may be referred for specialist oral surgery services as part of an orthodontic-led treatment plan. Surgical interventions include extraction of teeth not amenable to alignment, such as supernumerary teeth. Aligner treatment is an accessible form of orthodontic treatment which has demonstrated a sustained demand. Aligners present several attractive features for patients, which require balance against risks of treatment through clinical examination and discussion with a qualified dentist. Dentists providing aligner treatment should consider the interface with oral surgery in the presence of pathology and dental abnormalities. We present two patients referred for management of supernumerary teeth, which were identified following aligner treatment in primary care. We consider key learning points on the management of supernumerary teeth in the context of aligner treatment and the role of multidisciplinary care for this cohort of patients.