Space closure after extraction of an ankylosed maxillary lateral incisor using an asymmetrical Beneslider to maintain lifelong vertical dentoalveolar growth

This case report describes the orthodontic treatment of a 13-year-old girl three years after severe dental trauma. Both maxillary central incisors, and the maxillary right lateral incisor demonstrated a luxation and limited crown fracture trauma. Three years after the trauma, the maxillary right lateral incisor demonstrated a lack of movement during treatment with full fixed orthodontic appliances, diagnosed as tooth ankylosis. Because we expected tooth ankylosis would compromise the smile esthetics in the long term, we decided to change our initial treatment plan, extracting the ankylosed lateral incisor. The extraction space was closed by mesialization of the maxillary right posterior teeth, using a palatally anchored asymmetrical mesiodistal bone-borne Beneslider. We believe that using the Beneslider increases the orthodontic treatment options in patients with (trauma-induced) ankylosed front teeth. The main advantage of our treatment is the lifelong maintenance of vertical dentoalveolar growth.