Repair of receded gingival tissue through lingual root movement with an overhanging attachment and clear aligners

Abstract

Gingival recession is challenging in orthodontics, especially in patients with preexisting conditions. Clear aligner treatment offers a less invasive option, but root torque control remains complex without specialized mechanics. This case report describes the successful treatment of gingival recession on the mandibular left central incisor through root movement using a clear aligner with an overhanging attachment. An overhanging attachment is a modified clear aligner attachment designed to apply force closer to the center of resistance, enabling greater control over root movement. In this case, the patient experienced reduced gingival recession from 5 to 1 mm after 11 months of treatment with 20 stages of clear aligners. The root of the mandibular left central incisor was repositioned lingually, facilitating tissue repair and improved periodontal health. This approach provided a favorable outcome without the need for surgical intervention. The findings suggest that overhanging attachments on clear aligners can effectively correct gingival recession caused by labially positioned roots. Precise root torque control can promote bone remodeling and soft-tissue recovery, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures. Further research is warranted to explore this technique’s long-term stability and broader clinical applicability.