Severe periodontitis and orthodontics: Evaluation of long-term results

Clinical manifestations of severe periodontitis are very often associated with tooth migration. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate dental bone support before orthodontic-periodontal treatment, at immediate postoperative, and long-term postoperative and to compare these results with those obtained from periodontal treatment alone. Fifteen patients (11 women and four men), all with severe periodontitis, mean age 42.8 years (22-61), were followed for an average of 16 years (11-32). Comparison was made between periodontal-orthodontic treatment (Group 1) and periodontal treatment alone (Group 2). Alveolar bone height was measured at T0 (before treatment), T1 (immediate postoperative) and T2 (long-term postoperative). Assessment was performed by means of digitized radiography using Image J Software from the National Institute of Health. The average postoperative observation period between T0 (before treatment) and T2 (long-term results) was 16 years (11 to 32). Results showed an overall bone apposition in groups (1 and 2) immediately after treatment (T1), then at long-term (T2). No statistical difference was observed between both groups (1 and 2). In conclusion: an overall bone gain was observed in both treatment groups (periodontal-orthodontic and periodontal alone). The orthodontic treatment combined with periodontal treatment never compromised the benefits of periodontal treatment alone. On the opposite, it appeared to be quite beneficial.