Orthodontic treatment of a skeletal Class III malocclusion with severe root resorption of the maxillary anterior teeth. Autotransplantation using a 3-dimensional printed replica of the donor tooth

This case report describes the successful orthodontic treatment of a 12-year-old girl with skeletal Class III malocclusion and severe root resorption of the maxillary anterior teeth. Ectopic eruption and mesial inclination of the bilateral maxillary canines caused severe root resorption of the right central and lateral incisors and the left lateral incisor. These 3 teeth were extracted, and traction was applied to the maxillary right and left canines toward the extracted right central incisor and left lateral incisor, respectively. In the mandibular arch, the bilateral first premolars were extracted, and the crowding was corrected. The extracted mandibular right first premolar was transplanted after extraction of the maxillary right lateral incisor. To prepare for the tooth transplantation, a cone-beam computed tomography image was used to fabricate a 3-dimensional printed replica of the donor tooth. The crown shape of the maxillary anterior teeth was corrected, and the patient achieved functional occlusion with pleasing esthetics. Root resorption was negligible in the transplanted tooth. This study demonstrates the satisfactory treatment outcome and an effective 3-dimensional simulation for tooth transplantation.