Could It Work in Your 60s? A No-Preparation Laminate Story for Saving Periodontitis and Gapped Front Teeth

Hello,

This is Apgujeong Orthodontic Clinic.

Today, I’d like to introduce a laminate case for a patient in their 60s.

“Am I too old to get orthodontic treatment?”

“Can I get laminate if my gums aren’t in good condition?”

“Can gapped front teeth be made beautiful without preparation?”

23.10~24.05

Here is an orthodontic treatment introduction for a case with periodontitis.

This patient in their 60s came in for Jellami treatment, a completely no-preparation laminate treatment, not just no-preparation in name only.

The front gum area was very swollen, and due to long-standing periodontitis, the gap between the front teeth gradually widened and the teeth moved downward.

23.10

If we had done no-preparation laminate in this state, the two front teeth would have looked really large.

The lowered edges of the teeth can be ground down to make them shorter.

However, the gap between the front teeth was about 3 mm, so if each front tooth became 1.5 mm wider toward the center, the teeth could end up looking like xylitol.

23.10

In addition, the lateral incisors next to the front teeth were microdontic, so their size was small.

If the central incisors, that is, the two main front teeth, become larger, the lateral incisors will look relatively smaller.

After explaining the situation, we decided to first improve the space distribution and alignment with partial orthodontic treatment so that no-preparation laminate would be possible.

24.03

Before orthodontic treatment, controlling periodontitis is more important than anything else.

After calming the swollen gums with scaling and gum treatment, we performed anterior partial orthodontic treatment using an MTA mini-tube appliance.

By the fifth month of treatment, the two lowered central incisors had moved upward and their heights were aligned.

During this process, the gap between the front teeth naturally became narrower.

Although it was partial orthodontic treatment, the right canine had moved downward, so we placed a mini-screw and carried out treatment to make the occlusal plane level.

24.04

By the seventh month of orthodontic treatment, we were finishing the alignment and now beginning preparations for no-preparation laminate.

24.04~24.05

These are the before-and-after views of the no-preparation laminate treatment.

The black triangle, the space where the gum between the front teeth appears to have receded, was intentionally not eliminated 100%.

If we completely filled this area, it would create an environment where bacteria could easily accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease.

By leaving it open to this extent, it is not visible from the outside, and the patient can still manage it themselves with interdental brushes in daily life.

24.04~24.05

The color was matched to a natural tone.

Now here are the before-and-after comparison photos.

23.10~24.05

23.10~24.05

23.10~24.05

This is the view with the wire retainer in place as well.

Initial visit - after partial orthodontic treatment of the front teeth - after no-preparation laminate treatment

In order, these are the initial visit, after orthodontic treatment, and after no-preparation laminate treatment.

The patient was satisfied and said they had not expected it to turn out this well.

Since the treatment ended well, maintenance is important.

Especially because the periodontitis had been severe, thorough care will be needed to prevent recurrence.

Just because you are in your 60s does not mean it is too late.

Rather, a natural treatment direction suited to your age

and a plan that does not overdo it are even more important.

If you are someone who feels burdened by the idea of shaving down a lot of tooth structure

If you are worried about gaps between your front teeth

If you are hesitant about treatment because of periodontitis

If you want to improve your appearance naturally

I recommend getting an accurate diagnosis.

That concludes this introduction to geriatric orthodontics, laminate treatment for people in their 60s, partial orthodontics, and periodontitis treatment.

Thank you.