CLEARCORRECT, A STRAUMANN GROUP BRAND
Anterior Bite Correction in Less Than 6 Months
We have been treating patients with ClearCorrect clear aligner treatment for about 2 years, and our patients range in age from 13 to 85 years old. The combination of the newly released ClearPilot 7.0 software, which includes an active case upgrade along with several other features, and several additional product enhancements, including posterior bite ramps, an upgraded engager template material, and extended beveled engagers, has provided us with a very stable aligner system. We believe that the recent additions have decreased our revisions. The longer trimline allows for better control of the teeth movement, which has enabled us to get superior clinical results. This case study is just one of the successful patient outcomes we have had with ClearCorrect clear aligners.
A 61-year-old female patient with a Class II malocclusion presented to our office with a concern of grinding and clenching problems. The patient had mild crowding, insufficient overjet and over- bite, edge-to-edge bite, open bite tendency, and moderate gingival recession. Additionally, her upper centrals and laterals had been ground down. Figures 1-5 show the pretreatment dentition. No contraindications to orthodontic treatment were present.
Clear aligners were recommended vs fixed appliances to address the patient’s grinding and clenching problems and gingival recession, as well as to protect existing crowns, address oral hygiene concerns, and satisfy the esthetic preferences of the patient. This approach aimed to achieve the orthodontic goals of the case before proceeding with prosthodontics procedures.
ClearCorrect Zendura 35 aligners, a brand under the Straumann Group, were chosen specifically for their thermoplastic rigidity and trimline style—which effectively fulfill the retention needs—as well as customized bite ramps and a comfortable cutout design that features a double vertical slit.
Treatment Sequence
Initial records were obtained for the ClearCorrect treatment. We requested comprehensive treatment for both arches, including protection of bruxism, correction of overjet, overbite, and achieving ideal archforms. The patient’s treatment plan included 12 aligners over 24 weeks. Bite ramps were added to create space for veneers. Additionally, approximately 1 mm of interproximal reduction was expected between the lower canines for the alignment of the lower arch.
The engagers were placed on teeth Nos. 6 and 9 (Figure 6). The aligners fit well, ensuring comfort for the patient. The patient was instructed to wear each aligner pair for 2 weeks each.
The treatment proceeded smoothly, maintaining the existing engagers on the upper canines until the final aligners (Figure 7), and successfully establishing space between teeth Nos. 7 and 10 for prosthodontic restorations.
We decided to utilize full-time maxillary and mandibular Zendura 35 clear retainers for the initial 3 months, after which we recommended they be worn only at night.
A total of 6 appointments were scheduled, which encompassed various stages of the treatment, such as the initial records appointment and the last appointment for the delivery of the retainer.
Case Summary
Since the beginning of the treatment, necessary preparations have been made through continuous communication with the dentist who performed the patient’s restorations (Figures 8-11). The anterior restorations resulted in an enhanced appearance of the smile and improved the patient’s self- confidence. The patient expressed complete satisfaction with the outcome and ClearCorrect proved to be a great choice for the patient, who reported that the aligners were easy to maintain and conveniently removable for special occasions, as well as other dental treatments, such as fillings and cleanings. I have found that when I recommend a 2-week usage of aligners, there’s a noticeable issue with staining in most cases. However, the ClearCorrect aligners exhibit virtually no staining even after a 2-week period. We were thrilled to be able to deliver the desired treatment, thanks to ClearCorrect.
ClearCorrect Clear Aligners
ClearCorrect clear aligners allow clinicians to send in impressions, photos, and x-rays from nearly any intraoral scanner. ClearCorrect maps out a 3D model of the patient’s teeth and creates a web-based treatment plan. The ClearCorrect aligner method now includes the newly released ClearPilot 7.0, a treatment software that features a user-friendly interface, along with trimline visualization, bite jump simulation, surgical movement simulation, an improved digital workflow in the Doctor Portal, and arch editing tools. In addition to anterior bite ramps, recent product enhancements now include posterior bite ramps, upgraded engager template material, extended beveled engagers, and an active case upgrade. Once the treatment plan is accepted, we can easily share the treatment plan via a HIPAA-compliant link with patients, and we offer several financing options.
Yan Kalika, DMD, MS
