Anterior tooth alignment – recommendations for stability

Anterior tooth alignment seems to be a treatment option preferred by dentists as the non-invasive alternative to destructive tooth preparation for adult patients. Although, from a biological perspective, this may be an ideal way to provide a conservative approach, it is open to controversy, particularly if the treatment time is considerably shortened. The key issues being related to compromised treatment goals, informed consent, clinical consequences of retreatment and long-term stability.1

Anterior tooth alignment is a feasible treatment option for adult patients and constitutes one of the many possible solutions after a thorough orthodontic and aesthetic assessment. The assessment should consist of understanding the patient's chief complaint, performing a thorough evaluation with relevant diagnostic analysis which will allow for the formulation of a problem list from which treatment goals and solutions can be devised. A joint consultation with the patient, restorative dentist and the inclusion of other specialties, if necessary, at the outset may prove invaluable and is to be recommended.