Using orthodontic intrusion of abraded incisors to facilitate restoration: the technique's effects on alveolar bone level and root length.

BACKGROUND The authors examined the effects of orthodontic intrusion of abraded incisors in adult patients to facilitate restoration, focusing specifically on changes in alveolar bone level and root length. METHODS The authors analyzed records of 43 consecutive adult patients (mean age 45.9 years). They identified intrusion by means of cephalometric radiographs and bone level and root length by means of periapical radiographs. They calculated treatment differences from the pretreatment period to the posttreatment period. RESULTS In general, bone level followed the tooth during intrusion, but a small amount of bone loss occurred (P< .0001). There were no significant associations with age, sex, treatment time, intrusion or pretreatment bone level. All intruded teeth exhibited significant root resorption during treatment (mean=1.48 millimeters). However, the change was similar to that seen in incisors that were not intruded. There were no associations with age, sex, treatment time or intrusion, but there was a positive relationship between pretreatment root length and root resorption. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Incisor intrusion in adults moves the dentogingival complex apically and is a valuable adjunct to restorative treatment. Potential iatrogenic consequences of alveolar bone loss and root resorption are minimal and comparable with the consequences of other orthodontic tooth movements.