Clear Aligner Treatment Before Implant Restoration For Missing Molar

A 31-year-old female patient with a missing upper left first molar underwent orthodontic treatment using clear aligners prior to implant restoration. The patient is a 30-year-old female with no systemic diseases. Her facial profile is normal. In the permanent dentition stage, tooth 26 is missing, tooth 27 has mesial shift, and there are scattered gaps in the upper left arch. Teeth 22, 23, and 33 show crossbite. The right first molars are in a neutral relationship. The lower arch shows mild crowding. Lateral radiographs show mild skeletal Class III malocclusion with average growth. CBCT reveals asymmetry in the bilateral temporomandibular joint spaces and a submucosal cyst in the left maxillary sinus. The patient wore clear aligners (Smartee-A Dental Technology) to align both arches, correct the left canine crossbite, and perform minor enamel stripping. The treatment also left a 10.7mm gap at tooth 26. After one year, the patient completed 35 sets of initial aligners, with improved dental alignment and correction of the left canine crossbite. Due to buccal inclination of tooth 27, 12 sets of fine-tuned aligners were used. Clear aligners are effective for consolidating scattered gaps in orthodontic-restorative treatments. In this case, the submucosal cyst in the left maxillary sinus should be removed, and a sinus lift performed before implant restoration. Risks like gum recession and bone loss must be monitored during adult treatment. As digital technology matures, clear aligner applications will expand, breaking traditional treatment boundaries.