A 42-year-old female patient arrived at the dental clinic with specific concerns related to spacing issues in her teeth. A notable aspect of her dental history was the loss of her upper lateral incisors when she was younger. This had left her with concerns about the appearance of her canines, which she felt did not match her desired aesthetic.
The comprehensive treatment plan for this patient encompassed several phases, beginning with clear aligner therapy using Invisalign to correct the alignment issues. The primary objective was to reposition the canines to their correct location and improve the overall alignment.
The clear aligner therapy consisted of 26 trays, each designed to gradually shift the canines into their desired positions. Once the alignment was achieved, the patient's dental concerns evolved. She was not satisfied with the size of her teeth, particularly feeling that they appeared shorter than she desired.
To address this new concern, a diagnostic wax-up was carried out to visualize how the teeth would appear with adjustments to their size. Upon reviewing the diagnostic wax-up, the patient decided to proceed with larger crowns on her upper teeth to achieve the desired tooth size and aesthetics.
Additionally, the patient's previous loss of her upper lateral incisors required further intervention. A surgical guide was created to facilitate the placement of dental implants in the lateral tooth positions. This step aimed to replace the missing teeth and restore the patient's ability to chew and smile with confidence.
The lower teeth, once aligned through the Invisalign treatment, did not require the same level of intervention as the upper teeth. The size and alignment of the lower teeth were deemed sufficient and did not necessitate crowns.
The outcome of the comprehensive treatment plan was a substantial improvement in the patient's smile aesthetics and overall oral health. The clear aligner therapy successfully corrected the alignment issues, and the larger crowns on the upper teeth provided the desired tooth size and aesthetics. The placement of dental implants in the lateral tooth positions ensured a complete and functional smile.
In conclusion, the case of this 42-year-old female patient illustrates the transformative power of modern dentistry in addressing a range of dental concerns. By combining clear aligner therapy with Invisalign, diagnostic wax-ups, crown placements, and dental implants, the patient achieved an improved smile and overall oral health. This case highlights the importance of personalized treatment and a comprehensive approach to ensure that each patient's unique goals and needs are met.