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The Initial Assessment
The patient first attended our practice after being deemed ineligible for treatment under the public health service (HSE). Having researched modern alternatives, the patient was highly motivated to explore clear aligner therapy.
A thorough specialist assessment by Orthodontist Claire O’Sullivan identified several clinical challenges:
- Bite Discrepancy: A Class II Division 1 relationship with Class II molar and canine alignment.
- Crowding: Moderate crowding across both dental arches.
- Developing Hurdles: Early panoramic X-rays (OPGs) revealed that all four wisdom teeth were unerupted but developing in a pattern that could disrupt their long-term bite stability.
The Tailored Treatment Programme
Our clinical team designed and engineered a multi-disciplinary treatment plan focused on aesthetics, compliance, and long-term stability.
1. Precision Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy (2022 – 2024)
The patient opted for Invisalign Clear Aligners. To address the Class II jaw relationship without extractions, we utilised an Invisalign Mandibular Advancement appliance, which uses innovative clear wings to guide the lower jaw forward gently.
The patient demonstrated fantastic compliance, advancing through their customised aligner prescription stages every 10 to 14 days. When a minor jaw clicking was reported mid-treatment, our team immediately paused to perform a refinement scan, adjusting the aligner dynamics to ensure the jaw joint remained completely comfortable.
2. Proactive Wisdom Teeth Management (2024)
As the active alignment phase neared completion, Dr Claire O’Sullivan coordinated an early referral to our specialist oral surgeon, Dr Deepak Thomas, to evaluate the unerupted wisdom teeth.
While the patient was preparing for their Junior Certificate exams, Dr Thomas performed a seamless, proactive surgical removal of all four wisdom teeth under general anaesthetic at Kingsbridge. A post-operative review confirmed excellent healing with absolutely no nerve complications or numbness.
3. De-Bonding, Retention, and Gum Health Care
In April 2024, the active Invisalign treatment concluded successfully. To lock the teeth into their new, perfectly aligned positions, a fixed bonded retainer was placed behind the lower front teeth, complemented by custom-moulded upper and lower Essix retainers for night-time wear.
In November 2024, the patient attended a routine preventative check with our hygienist, Laura Gibson. The exam revealed early signs of localised gingivitis around the back molars (pockets of 4mm between the upper and lower 6th and 7th teeth). Laura provided tailored oral hygiene coaching, demonstrating specialised interdental cleaning techniques around the fixed retainer wires and prescribing a six-monthly scale and polish routine to safeguard the underlying bone.
The Long-Term Result
Through the joint expertise of our orthodontic, surgical, and hygiene teams, this patient achieved a beautifully straight smile and a fully corrected, functional bite. By proactively removing the wisdom teeth and aggressively monitoring gum health post-treatment, we have ensured their smile is fully protected against future crowding and periodontal issues.
The Specialist Advantage: Achieving a straight smile is a fantastic milestone, but maintaining it requires an elite team that looks at the big picture. By managing jaw alignment, surgical wisdom teeth removal, and post-treatment gum health simultaneously, Dublin Orthodontist provides a premium, continuous standard of care.
Invest in a Healthy, Confident Smile
Are you looking for a discreet, modern way to align your teeth or correct your bite? Our specialist clear aligner programmes are tailored to fit your lifestyle while prioritising your long-term oral health.
