Thermoformed Retainer: An Effective Option for Long-Term Stability

Introduction. The concept of orthodontic retention is moving toward the idea that teeth will move unless retained indefinitely. However, permanent retention implies permanent supervision, and that is where reality clashes with stability. The cornerstone of Essix permanent retention is the complete delegation of responsibility to the patient. Essix retainers have nothing to adjust, but maximum collaboration of the patient is essential to achieve long-term stability. The purpose of this paper is to show the effectiveness of the thermoplastic appliance as a retainer, using a clinical case with a 10-year follow-up. Case Report. A 33-year-old male patient presented with a class II malocclusion division 2 and normal skeletal pattern. According to the patient’s desire, a treatment plan was proposed to obtain the aesthetic result of the smile, maintaining the molar and canine class II relationship. The orthodontic therapy was performed by using the Invisalign System. In this case, it was possible to appreciate a posterior occlusal stability after 10 years. Conclusion. Currently, among orthodontists, the use of removable plastic devices is gaining popularity thanks to their capability to encapsulate and retain both posterior and anterior teeth. In this article, the technical features of thermoformed retainers will be described and one clinical case with a 10-year follow-up will be presented to emphasize the effectiveness of these retainers

Multidisciplinary assessment and treatment of missing maxillary lateral incisors. A review of the literature [Valutazione multidisciplinare e trattamento delle agenesie degli incisivi laterali mascellari. Revisione della letteratura]

Objectives: The purpose of this work was to identify the most effective treatment plan for missing maxillary lateral incisors by means of a review of the relevant literature published on this topic during the last 10 years. Material and methods: Using the PubMed and Cochrane Library search engines, we selected articles published between 1999 and 2009 with the following Keywords: "congenitally missing lateral incisors"; "treatment option"; "long term clinical results"; "soft tissue aspects"; and "bone level". Fifty articles were selected: 20 were eliminated; and 30 articles were considered relevant. Ultimately; only 11 articles proved useful for identification of the best treatment option for patients with missing maxillary lateral incisors. Results: Our review confirms that the most frequently used approach in patients with missing maxillary lateral incisors is the multidisciplinary plan (orthodontics, implantology, prosthetics), but the current trend is to use orthodontic space closure alone whenever possible. Conclusions: Treatment options for patients with missing maxillary lateral incisors include space closure or space reopening, and insertion of implants. Both options can be considered effective from both the functional and esthetic points of view. © 2011 Elsevier Srl