Straumann presents an award-winning complex case using clear aligners by Thomas Hughes, backed by a strong digital workflow and clinical support.
Complex orthodontic cases often present a clinical challenge, particularly when patients are averse to traditional fixed braces after previous negative experiences.
A recent award-winning case by Dr Thomas Hughes, recipient of the ClearCorrect Clinical Case of the Year 2025 Award, highlights how modern clear aligner systems, backed by a robust digital workflow and clinical support, can achieve transformative results.
The case involved a 38-year-old female patient whose confidence was at an all-time low. Previous failed orthodontic treatment had left her with a significant 12mm overjet, a collapsed arch, and a smile she felt too embarrassed to show. The patient’s request was clear: she wanted a discreet, comfortable, and reliable solution to finally believe in her smile again.
Treatment planning
Dr Hughes identified this as a complex case from the outset, with a class II skeletal base and significant tooth rotations requiring meticulous planning. He chose ClearCorrect aligners to meet the patient’s desire for discretion while providing the clinical control necessary to manage such complex movements. His decision highlights a key message for clinicians: clear aligner therapy is a powerful tool for more than just straightforward cases.
The treatment plan was mapped out using ClearPilot, ClearCorrect’s intuitive treatment planning software. Dr Hughes planned to expand the upper arch, reduce the overjet, and align the rotated premolars and molars, incorporating auxiliaries and sequenced movements to ensure predictability.
This digital ecosystem is designed to give clinicians control and flexibility over treatments. Dr Hughes opted for the ClearCorrect Unlimited option, providing the freedom to make refinements as needed throughout the process.
Partnership and support
A crucial element of the treatment success was the partnership and support provided. ‘We believe that empowering clinicians means providing not just a superior product, but also a robust ecosystem of support,’ says Caroline Cross, ClearCorrect UK marketing manager. ‘Dr Hughes’s case shows how a partnership approach, combining advanced digital tools with expert clinical guidance, enables practitioners to achieve exceptional outcomes, even in the most challenging scenarios.’
The final result was a transformation that went beyond simply straightening teeth. The treatment resulted in a broader, more symmetrical smile and a significant reduction in overjet, all while maintaining patient comfort and periodontal health.
The journey was completed with whitening and digital veneers. For Dr Hughes, the outcome was profoundly rewarding, stating: ‘Seeing her leave the practice not only transformed but finally being proud of her smile was one of the most rewarding outcomes of my career.’
This case demonstrates that with the right technology and support, clinicians can confidently use clear aligners to restore smiles and self-esteem.
Find out more about how ClearCorrect can help you transform smiles in your practice.
This article is sponsored by Straumann.
