Digital Orthodontic Management Of Impacted Mandibular Lateral Incisor

Impaction of mandibular lateral incisors poses both aesthetic and functional challenges, compounded by nonextraction preferences that strain arch space management. With advanced digital-assisted orthodontic technologies, clinicians can leverage natural jaw development and optimize space creation, enhancing diagnosis and treatment precision without resorting to extraction. A 12-year-old male presented with an impacted mandibular lateral incisor and Class II malocclusion. Digital-assisted diagnostics and simulations confirmed the feasibility of a nonextraction approach. Surgical exposure of the impacted tooth, followed by precisely guided orthodontic traction and continuous digital monitoring, achieved successful eruption and alignment, restoring aesthetics and function. Potential etiological factors (e.g., trauma-induced tooth germ displacement) were analyzed, with 3D digital simulations employed to optimize arch space. The tailored treatment plan used Class III elastic traction and light-force mechanics, harnessing the adolescent growth spurt while meticulously controlling torque to minimize root resorption and gingival recession. Compared to autotransplantation—which carries higher failure and resorption risks—preserving natural dentition offered superior biological and clinical advantages. Digital-assisted diagnostics proved vital in predicting eruption pathways and ensuring biomechanical compatibility in complex impaction cases. This case highlights the pivotal role of digital-assisted diagnostics in creating personalized treatment plans for impacted mandibular lateral incisors. By integrating advanced digital tools, clinicians can more intuitively demonstrate treatment feasibility, thereby enhancing patient understanding and involvement in selecting the optimal treatment strategy.