The role of orthodontics in implant dentistry.

Orthodontic treatment of partially edentulous patients is difficult, especially if a significant number of teeth are missing. With loss of teeth, adjacent or opposing teeth usually tip, drift or over-erupt leaving spaces that are not optimal for replacement of missing teeth. Orthodontic correction of these spatial relationships will aid prosthetic replacement of the missing teeth, function, hygiene and aesthetics. Orthodontists rely on teeth to provide the anchorage to correct malocclusions. With patients with an intact dentition dental anchorage is usually adequate to facilitate tooth movement. In some partially edentulous patients however, insufficient anchorage may present to correct the malocclusion. In these patients implants can provide additional anchorage. At times, osseointegrated implants can also be used to support restorations after completion of orthodontic therapy if treatment planning is precise. The use of implants for orthodontic anchorage requires an interdisciplinary approach and precise planning to achieve optimal results.