Orthodontic Extrusion of Fractured Tooth with Clear Retainer

Tooth fracture at the cervical margin is frequently seen, and orthodontic extrusion of the same can be carried out to achieve a “ferrule effect” for successful restoration. Various techniques incorporating conventional removable and fixed orthodontics have been employed to facilitate orthodontic extrusion of the fractured tooth. The clear aligner can be used to facilitate the extrusion of a fractured tooth using the “bootstrap” arrangement. Bootstrap mechanics involve placing bonded buttons at the gingival margins on the facial, lingual, or both surfaces of a tooth that is lagging. In this pearl, an innovative and economical prerestorative orthodontic method, based on the biomechanical principles of the “bootstrap” arrangement used in aligners, is developed for the successful extrusion of a fractured tooth using a clear retainer and orthodontic elastics. The amount of extrusion of the fractured tooth was 2.5 mm and was achieved in a time frame of 3 weeks. The appliance is patient-friendly and cost-effective. Moreover, the appliance omitted the use of fixed orthodontic treatment mechanics.