Uprighting Molars as an Adjunct to Restorative and Periodontal Treatment of Adults

Abstract

The interrelationship between form, function and stomatologic health is unclear. However, tooth positions that prevent bacterial plaque removal may predispose towards periodontal disease. A frequent problem in adults is loss of posterior teeth with subsequent tip and drift of the molars. Occlusal trauma, if superimposed on gingival inflammation, can result in rapid tissue destruction. Therefore, an indication for orthodontic treatment is the restoration of normal axial inclination and tooth position so that bacterial plaque control may be effected. Simple orthodontic appliances may be used to restore the position of tipped molars. The benefits of orthodontic treatment, prior to the restoration of the posterior occlusion, are improvement in occlusal loading, improvement of periodontal health and simplification of prosthetic design and fabrication.