Orthodontic treatment of a periodontally - affected adult patient (case report)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The advanced periodontal disease is characterised by a strongly pronounced loss of attachment and reduction of the alveolar bone support, which leads to luxation, migration of the teeth, functional discomfort and poor facial aesthetics. CASE PRESENTATION: The aim of this paper is to present the case of a 26-year-old female patient, registered at the Clinic of Periodontology with highly expressed gingivitis, unsatisfactory periodontal status, presence of diastemas between the frontal teeth and attachment loss of 5-6 millimetres in different areas. We conducted a thorough classic periodontal treatment, as well as training for proper maintenance of oral hygiene, with frequent professional oral-prophylactic sessions, complemented with orthodontic treatment. Fixed orthodontic appliances were installed, and mild forces were applied for gradual levelling of the teeth, with constant control of the periodontal status. After 20 months of treatment, the patient was in retention. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic therapy of periodontally-affected teeth can begin only after exhaustive administration of a periodontal treatment. Orthodontic treatment as an addition to the periodontal restoration must be gradual with mild forces for an optimal dental response, thus helping to improve function, facial aesthetics and psychological confidence of adult patients.