Use of vacuum-formed retainer for extrusion of a grossly decayed tooth using auxiliaries

Abstract

Introduction: Vacuum-formed retainers are one of the most used retainers because of their esthetic advantage, ease of fabrication as well as the low fabrication cost. While aligners are usually associated with improved esthetics the extended period required to obtain these is one of the reasons the present modification was introduced to achieve the desired tooth movement with patient cooperation. Patient Diagnosis: The patient aged 35 years old came with a missing clinical crown and pain in relation to tooth 11 and was advised to receive re-endodontic treatment. The main finding on intra-oral examination was that the patient’s incisor root was submerged below the gingiva. Clinical innovation: The present innovation describes the use of a vacuum-formed retainer for carrying out movement of a grossly decayed tooth with no clinical crown. While clear retainers are meant for retention their durability can be used as an added advantage for carrying out specific movements with the aid of auxiliary attachments. The main benefits of this innovation were in terms of the time to initiate treatment and cost reduction. Discussion: This appliance is extremely easy to fabricate and does not require extensive scans and treatment planning especially in case of a patient that does not desire a lengthy treatment. Aligners are cost-effective but only when produced in-house which is why clear retainers with auxiliary attachments can be used as a low-cost option when only minor tooth movements are required.