Orthodontic-Periodontics: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Abstract

Periodontal pathogenesis is a multi-factorial process and the orthodontist must recognize the clinical forms of inflammatory periodontal disease. Orthodontics is the most conservative and predictable treatment to improve numerous local etiological factors that contribute to periodontal disease including periodontal breakdown. Proper occlusal function and masticatory function are stimulatory to the gingival tissue and the attachment apparatus, while, conversely, a lack of function predisposes to disease that increases plaque retention and calculus formation along with gingival inflammation leading to increased loss of bony support. No matter how talented the orthodontist, a magnificent orthodontic correction can be destroyed by failure to recognize periodontal susceptibility. Therefore, identifying periodontally susceptible patients is critical for the outcome of the treatment. This chapter will highlight the importance of the short-term and long-term outcomes of orthodontic treatment, which are influenced by the patient’s periodontal status before, during and after active orthodontic therapy.