Recession occurrence in patients treated with fixed appliances--preliminary report.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the dependence of gingival recession, malocclusion and factors that may lead to recessions of the gingiva in patients applying for orthodontical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 52 randomly selected patients treated with fixed appliances due to occlusal irregularities and dental abnormalities. Data obtained from the examination and selected parameters from cephalometric analysis were placed in a chart including ANB skeletal class and Wits parameter, lower incisor position IMPA, dental abnormalities, extractions due to orthodontical indications and recession etiopathic factors. Statistical analysis of obtained data was conducted using variance analysis. Statistically significant were assumed those calculations for which value of significance level p < or = 0.05. RESULTS Recession was observed in 18 patients of the 52 examined. Skeletal I class was found in 11 patients (61.12%) and in 8 cases Wits parameter corresponded with skeletal class III (44.4%). Among the patients examined normal incisor inclination was observed in 6 patients (33.33%), whereas 12 cases revealed inclination irregularities (66.66%). Clinical examination disclosed dental defects in 13 patients (72.22%) and in 12 cases recession etiopathic factors were recognized (66.66%). Statistically significant differences between periodontal biotype and gingival recession of 43, 31, 33 teeth were estimated. CONCLUSIONS Anatomical factors, malocclusion and dental irregularities were fund to be the main cause of the single and/or multiple recessions. Patients applying for orthodontic treatment due to occlusal abnormalities should remain under particular control in case of symptoms suggesting the incidence of recession, particularly when recessions are already present.