Periodontal benefits, limitations and risks during orthodontic therapy

The purpose of this clinical investigation is to focus on orthodontic treatment possibilities, limitations and risks in patients with periodontal problems. A sample of 33 adult patients and another of 50 with mixed dentition were considered. The common periodontal disorders in these two groups were: gingivitis, localized juvenile periodontitis, gingival recession, gingival hyperplasia, adult periodontitis, muco-gingival defects, frenulum and occlusal trauma in severe deep-bite. Patients with excellent oral hygiene and the absence or the continuous control of periodontal disorders didn’t show significant limitations and periodontal risks. In the presence of poor oral hygiene and of active periodontal disease with reduced alveolar bone the orthodontic treatment posed a significant risk of periodontal breakdown above all in adults. The interdisciplinary dental team work between periodontist and orthodontist, is very important, when planning treatment of dental and skeletal malocclusions. The orthodontic treatment should be terminated if patients are at great risk of developing periodontal breakdown and attachment loss.