A patient with a central incisor fractured apically in relation to the gingival margin

Management of subgingival fracture by an esthetic approach

Extrusion of fractured anterior teeth with fracture line extending subgingivally requires exposure of sound tooth structure. Orthodontic extrusion is the preferred method of choice. Conventional orthodontic appliance is usually unesthetic because of exposure of brackets. This case report describes an esthetic management of such a tooth with a lingually placed orthodontic appliance which also allows placement of a labial composite resin laminate so as to restore esthetics at the earliest. This was followed by a post-endodontic restoration. This approach enabled us to establish not only to a long-term restorative success, but also an immediate replacement of esthetics so that the patient is able to confidently smile during the course of treatment also.