Introduction
It is common for a patient receiving clear aligner orthodontic treatment to have one or more missing teeth. One of the benefits of using clear aligners is that we can create a pontic, to fill in the missing space. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
A pontic is a tooth-shaped substitute created in the gap left by missing or extracted teeth. Since the clear aligner does not cover a tooth in this location in the patient's mouth, there is a resulting gap in the clear aligner. However, this gap may be painted or filled to make it appear like a tooth. Conventionally, the pontic is made in the 3D printed models using light cure radiopaque composite [[Figure 1]]. However, it requires good dexterity to build teeth with composite matching the anatomy of the natural teeth, without flowing over adjacent teeth This process is not cost-effective and is also a time-consuming procedure.
In this clinical tip, we describe an innovative technique for creating a pontic on the 3d printed models which replicate in the clear aligner to maintain esthetics in patients in whom extraction of anterior teeth is planned or already have missing anterior teeth.
Advantages
The acrylic teeth used in the models for pontic can be reused in other similar cases by removing them after the aligner retrieval process to cut the production cost.
The acrylic teeth simulate the undercut and anatomy of natural teeth resulting in the better fitting of aligner and esthetics [[Figure 12]].
Conclusion
This technique of making pontic could be cost-effective and time-saving in the large-scale production of clear aligners.
Conflict of Interest
None.
References
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