A new orthodontic device for a minimal invasive treatment of interproximal caries

OBJECTIVESMinimal intervention dentistry is a philosophy aimed at attempting to keep teeth healthy and functional for life. The preservation of the marginal ridge played a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the tooth structure. The removal of the marginal ridge leads to liability for fracture under normal masticatory forces. The aim of this article is to describe a patented orthodontic device that can displace the teeth for an optimal clinical vision, in the lateral-posterior sector, to easily remove carious lesions without the demolition of the occlusal crest dental tissues.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe construction technique of the orthodontic appliance is described, along with the biomechanical characteristics of the device, in compliance with the den to-periodontal system.RESULTS Two clinical cases are illustrated from the application of the appliance on the crowns of two adjacent elements in order to create the appropriate space to allow the clinician a minimally invasive approach on interproximal caries of the posterior sectors. The first case highlights the resolution of a double interproximal carious lesion of a first and second upper premolar; the second highlights the resolution of a double inter proximal carious lesion of a first and second lower molar.CONCLUSIONSWith an adequate diagnostic selection upstream, the use of this appliance can represent, in subjects at the end of growth, the ideal orthodontic treatment in cases of interproximal caries to be treated with minimally invasive conservative therapy. For the particular methods of use that require competence and experience by the operator, clinical tests are currently underway to define suitable operating protocols.