Orthodontics And Aesthetics: Where Is The Mystery? Part II

Aim: to evaluate the possibility of obtaining a good aesthetic result on the face and smile during orthodontic treatment using pre-adjusted appliances.
Materials and methods: N=100 patients characterised by gingival recession, “gummy smile”, inadequate gingival line and “smile arc” were treated with the pre-adjusted appliances, using individual positioning of the brackets. An aesthetic analysis was carried out of the facial photograph and lateral cephalograms, taken before (T0) and after (T1) orthodontic treatment.
Results: our study showed that for an aesthetic and good orthodontic treatment plan the following are required: individual positioning of the brackets in a strategic way, balancing facial and dental proportions, identifying the patterns of facial growth most “at risk” (long/short face, flat profile, bi-protrusion), obtaining and/or maintaining good “facial balance”, positioning, the lips in a good position with respect to the line of profile, considering the effects of extractive versus non-extractive treatment, the effects of growth, and change in the soft tissue related to the growth, the patient's age.
Conclusions: in order to obtain results in cases of gingival recession, “gummy smile”, inadequate gingival line and “smile arc”, this study identified certain factors to bear in mind during diagnosis and treatment planning: an accurate diagnosis, major attention to aesthetic parameters of beauty scientifically tested, individual positioning of the brackets and correct mechanics of treatment.