Novel application of the 2-piece orthodontic C-implant for temporary crown restoration after orthodontic treatment

IntroductionThis article reports the use of an orthodontic mini-implant for a temporary crown restoration in a small edentulous space after limited orthodontic treatment.MethodsTwo clinical cases are presented: a 23-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy. In the adult patient, a 2-piece orthodontic C-implant (Cimplant, Seoul, Korea) was placed in a 3-mm wide edentulous space to build up a temporary crown restoration after a short orthodontic treatment to regain space for a missing mandibular right permanent lateral incisor. In the boy, a C-implant was placed in the space resulting from an avulsed maxillary right permanent lateral incisor to prevent aggressive alveolar bone resorption after dental trauma. Both patients were followed for more than 4 years of retention to evaluate the stability of the temporary crown restoration built up on the orthodontic mini-implants.ResultsBoth patients had successful long-term results, confirmed by clinical and radiographic examinations. Both were pleased with the results and plan to retain the orthodontic mini-implant temporary crown restoration until they are ready for a permanent restoration later.ConclusionsA 2-piece orthodontic C-implant system can be used to maintain edentulous space after active orthodontic treatment.