Orthodontics Without Tooth Reduction! Pre Align

At the directors’ meeting held on the 5th, a small seminar was held on the topic of “Minish Hybrid Activation,” prepared by Director Han Hye-rin.

Director Han introduced the concept of “Pre Align,” which can reduce the amount of tooth reduction through simple alignment improvement before full-scale Minish treatment. Rather than aiming for complete orthodontic correction, Pre Align focuses on creating the conditions for minimal reduction. In particular, it can be a persuasive treatment option for patients who want no-prep laminate veneers.

The appliances used for Pre Align are MTA (Mini Tube Alliance) and Clear Line. Among them, MTA is small and low-profile, so it causes less discomfort when worn. It also has the advantage of being less noticeable even when bonded to the lower front teeth. Most importantly, it does not affect the bite (how the upper and lower teeth fit together) and allows only the desired teeth to be moved selectively, making treatment more efficient. Pre Align is effective in the following cases:

• When the lower front teeth are crowded (mandibular anterior crowding)

• When black triangles form triangular spaces between the gums

• When there are slight spaces between teeth (mild spacing)

• When the front teeth are slightly protruded

• When space adjustment is needed before Minish

Conversely,

• When the tooth alignment is only slightly off and Minish alone is sufficient

• When spaces are created due to bite interference

• When the molars are severely protruded

• When the inside of the upper teeth is significantly rotated

In these cases, standalone Minish or orthodontic treatment is more suitable than Pre Align.

Two sunken teeth were moved in just two months to improve the aesthetics of the occlusal surface and minimize the thickness of the restoration

The clinical protocol for Pre Align was also outlined in detail. The appliance is attached only to the six front teeth, and a thin wire (012 or 010 NiTi) is used at first. The average treatment period is targeted at 2 to 3 months, with 2 to 3 visits at intervals of about 3 weeks. In particular, it was emphasized that IPR (interproximal reduction) must be performed at the first visit. IPR is the process of very slightly reshaping the area between teeth to adjust the contact points. This allows the teeth to move smoothly in the desired direction. After IPR, it is important to finish so that the teeth do not touch in a flat manner, but rather naturally contact each other in their original rounded shape.

Director Han explained, “Even very small differences in contact between teeth can have a big effect on tooth movement. To move teeth in the desired direction, the balance of force must be broken. For example, a tooth that you want to rotate more should undergo a little more IPR, while a tooth that needs to remain stable should be approached strategically by not altering the contact surface.”

Previous research on the clinical effects of Pre Align was also introduced. According to the results, patient satisfaction with aesthetics was high, the concentration of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity was low, and the long-term incidence of complications such as tooth loss, fracture, and secondary caries was reported to be low.

From the patient’s perspective as well, if alignment is improved first through Pre Align, the quality of the subsequent Minish treatment can be increased, and unnecessary tooth reduction can be reduced. In addition, improved retention of the teeth after treatment and greater stability of gum health can be expected. Director Han emphasized, “Even a simple improvement in alignment can reduce tooth reduction and improve periodontal health and aesthetics. Pre Align is definitely worth trying.”

A major advantage of Pre Align is that even a small improvement in alignment can minimize tooth reduction while also improving aesthetics and periodontal health. If you want a natural Minish result that is as close to no-prep as possible, it may be a good idea to strengthen the basic conditions of your teeth with Pre Align before starting the full procedure. Minish Dental Hospital provides the optimal direction through one-on-one diagnosis tailored to the patient’s oral condition and goals. If you have concerns about tooth alignment or your smile, please consult Minish Dental Hospital.