In our fifth Smile Study Discussion with Dr. Jason, we explore the intricacies of treating Eleanor, a young girl around the age of eleven or twelve, who faced unique dental challenges surrounding her smile. She felt her upper front teeth were the only visible ones when she smiled, overshadowing her confidence.
Upon closer examination, Dr. Landers diagnosed her with an underbite—a condition where the upper teeth are positioned behind the lower teeth. X-rays further revealed that Eleanor was missing three permanent teeth: a premolar on the upper right, another premolar on the lower left, and a second molar on the lower left. Additionally, her upper canine teeth were experiencing delayed eruption.
To tackle Eleanor’s underbite and tooth alignment, Dr. Landers utilized braces in combination with rubber bands and elastics. However, the game-changer in Eleanor’s treatment was the use of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs). These small screws, placed into the bone, acted as anchors to guide the upper teeth into the correct position. The goal was to achieve the best possible alignment and bite!
Due to Eleanor diligently wearing her rubber bands and taking exceptional care of her teeth during the duration of her treatment, Eleanor’s bite and teeth alignment results were perfect, and her smile now proudly showcased teeth from corner to corner. For this case study particularly, Dr. Landers emphasized the importance of patient cooperation, especially in complex cases like Eleanor’s. Her dedication played a significant role in achieving such a successful outcome!
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