[Preprosthetic straightening of tilted lower molars with reference to the condition of the periodontium].

30 mesially tipped lower molars in 18 patients have been uprighted previous to prosthetic treatment. The uprighting was performed using arch wires, box loops and uprighting springs. The plaque and gingival conditions as well as the pocket depths and levels of periodontal attachment were assessed at the start of the treatment, after a successfully completed hygienic phase and after the uprighting of the tipped molars. Following the successful completion of the hygienic phase a significant pocket reduction was seen on all surfaces of the teeth besides a highly significant reduction of plaque and gingival index scores. As a result of the orthodontic uprighting, a further significant reduction in pocket depth, associated with a gain of periodontal attachment, was found on the mesial and lingual aspects of the molars. The results indicate that the uprighting of lower tipped molars prior to prosthetic treatment is a simple and predictable procedure to positively influence the prognosis of the teeth involved.