Surgery First and Clear Aligners on Relapsed Condylar Hyperplasia

Abstract

Condylar hyperplasia is (CH) a mandibular malformation that involves a change in the size and morphology of the condylar neck and head. The CH is an abnormality that usually occurs unilaterally and affects equally both men and women. Its etiology is controversial in its own right. Under this condition, mandibular growth occurs in all the 3 planes of space, but more predominantly in one of them. Treatment protocols are variable, but one of the best treatment choices is high condylectomy. Compared to the past, the change in the treatment protocol, as well as the innovations in both surgical and orthodontic technology, allowed a simplification of the therapeutic path, reduced patient discomfort and ensured more stable long-term postsurgical results.The authors present a case of a 40-year-old female patient with relapsed of unilateral CH, treated surgically for the second time and with orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. The clear aligners orthodontic treatment is now considered one the best treatment orthodontic options. In this case, considering the relapse of the hyperplasia and the need of a new orthodontic treatment we decide to use this technique to reduce patient discomfort and teeth force appliance.