Orthodontic treatment in stage IV periodontitis patients: Timing, management and long-term prognosis

Patients affected by severe periodontitis can develop a secondary malocclusion due to pathologic tooth migration that, if untreated, can hinder the maintenance of the entire dentition. In these cases, the combination of the appropriate stepwise periodontal therapy together with orthodontic treatment may become essential to re-establish health, aesthetics and function, leading to patient satisfaction and long-term stability. However, to successfully perform orthodontic tooth movement in stage IV periodontitis patients is paramount to carefully plan the treatment with a interdisciplinary approach, respecting the correct timing of the different phases of treatment, adapting biomechanics and appliance design individually, considering loss of periodontal support suffered from each patient. At the end of orthodontic treatment, after eventual prosthetic procedures, life-long retention and supportive periodontal care are needed to ensure good long-term prognosis. The present review describes the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic challenges associated with the combined ortho-perio treatment of stage IV periodontitis patients, providing both a literature and expert-based support for a biologically-orientated approach.