title: The combined use of corticotomy and clear aligners: A case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe an orthodontic treatment that combines an esthetic approach (clear aligners) with surgery (alveolar corticotomy).
  
  
  METHODS
  A patient with moderate dental crowding and Class I skeletal and molar relationships was selected. Orthodontic records of the patient were taken. Periodontal indexes, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and treatment time were evaluated. After we reflected a full-thickness flap beyond the teeth apices, the cortical bone was exposed on the buccal aspect and a modified corticotomy procedure was performed. Interproximal corticotomy cuts were extended through the entire thickness of the cortical layer, just barely penetrating into medullary bone. Orthodontic force was applied on the teeth immediately after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total treatment time was 2 months. Periodontal indexes were improved after correction of crowding. A deterioration of OHRQoL was limited to 3 days following surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case report may encourage the use, limited to selected cases, of corticotomy associated with clear aligners to treat moderate crowding.
authors.affiliation: a  Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cassetta
authors.affiliation: b  Research Assistant, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Altieri
authors.affiliation: c  Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, School of Dentistry, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Ersilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barbato
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques
keywords: CAD/CAM; Clear aligner therapy, OHRQoL; Corticotomy; Orthodontic appliances; Tooth movement