Partial Orthodontics for Gapped Front Teeth (Re-orthodontic Treatment)

Hello. I’m Yoon Jeong-won, the chief director of Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, an orthodontic clinic in Daechi-dong.

When classifying the types of orthodontic treatment, I do not particularly like dividing them this way from a dentist’s perspective, but in general people talk about them according to the type of appliance, such as Clippy C and Clarity orthodontics, or by age, such as adult orthodontics, pediatric and adolescent orthodontics, and middle-aged and older orthodontics.

If we classify them by the scope of treatment, they can be divided into full orthodontic treatment and partial orthodontic treatment. Full orthodontic treatment refers to standard orthodontic treatment involving movement of the entire dentition, while partial orthodontic treatment means cases where only some of the teeth need to be changed.

Partial orthodontic treatment applies to cases where only the front teeth need alignment changes, or where only the molar area is partially adjusted in order to perform prosthetic treatment on the molars. Compared with full orthodontic treatment, which takes a long time and costs more, partial orthodontic treatment has the advantage of being shorter, with treatment usually completed within 5 to 6 months, and relatively more economical. Of course, partial orthodontic treatment is not possible in every case, but when the case is appropriate, it can achieve the desired treatment effect in a short period of time at a relatively low cost.

This patient had previously undergone extraction orthodontic treatment, but came in with the chief complaint that the spaces between the upper front teeth and the extraction spaces had opened up because retainer management had not been maintained properly. Closing the opened extraction spaces would require full orthodontic treatment, but the patient only wanted improvement in the space between the front teeth.

Initial consultation on 2024.7.25

In addition, the dental midline did not match the facial midline and was shifted to the right, creating a sense of asymmetry when smiling. To improve this, we decided to perform partial orthodontic treatment on only the upper front teeth, and by moving the upper front teeth slightly to the left, we aimed to improve the appearance of facial misalignment when smiling.

After about 6 months of orthodontic treatment, the appliance was removed. The space between the front teeth was closed, and a mini-screw was placed on the upper left side to move the center line of the upper front teeth to the left. As a result, although the upper and lower dental midlines did not match, we aligned the facial midline with the midline of the upper front teeth visible when smiling, arranging the teeth so that the smile would appear naturally symmetrical.

In this way, we were able to achieve a major improvement—a natural and beautiful smile—within a short period of 6 months. Of course, it would have been better to close all the spaces between the teeth with full orthodontic treatment, but that approach has the drawback of requiring a much longer treatment period in re-orthodontic treatment. Partial orthodontic treatment for the front teeth like this can be said to have the advantage of improving esthetics efficiently in terms of time and cost.

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At Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, orthodontic treatment includes costs such as the initial diagnostic fee and monthly fees (excluding retainer costs), so you do not need to worry about unexpected additional expenses. In addition, because general dentistry is available as well, all treatment needed for orthodontics, such as extractions and cavity treatment, can be completed in one place. We also offer installment payment plans to reduce the burden of paying a large sum at once, making it even more attractive.

Director Yoon Jeong-won, who is in charge of orthodontics, has specialized exclusively in orthodontic treatment for 16 years of clinical experience and has extensive experience with numerous high-difficulty cases. Therefore, she can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic cases, including malocclusion, protruding mouth, and underbite.

If you visit Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic, a specialized orthodontic clinic in Daechi-dong, you can accurately understand your current condition through a simple oral examination at no additional cost, and you can also receive explanations about various orthodontic appliances during the orthodontic consultation, so please feel free to contact us for an appointment.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic has all the latest equipment needed for orthodontic treatment, including the 3D intraoral scanner iTero Lumina, growth plate testing, and pre- and post-treatment simulations using the Morpheus facial scanner, allowing for more precise and systematic orthodontic treatment.

Perhaps those considering orthodontic treatment due to protruding mouth, crowded teeth, malocclusion, underbite, and similar concerns have already gathered a lot of information through searching. Even so, comparing the different appliances in person and hearing detailed explanations will be of great help in making a decision.

During consultation, you can compare different appliances such as Clarity, Clippy C, and Invisalign in person and receive detailed explanations about their pros and cons, so we recommend calling or visiting for a consultation without hesitation.

Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic is not only convenient for parking, but also close to Samseong Station, Hakyeoul Station, Daechi Station, and Hanti Station, making it very convenient for patients coming from Samseong-dong, Daechi-dong, Gaepo-dong, Irwon-dong, Dogok-dong, Yeoksam-dong, and Jamsil.

Next to BMW at the intersection by Woosung Apartment in Daechi-dong

(Across from Starbucks/Samsung Store)

Daechi-dong orthodontic clinic Yonsei Jeongwon Dental Clinic

Parking is convenient and free

Consultation and inquiries: 02-501-2879