Esthetics: the orthodontic-periodontic restorative connection.

As we complete the 20th and progress into the 21st century, orthodontists worldwide are experiencing a gradual but significant change in their practices. The number of adult patients has increased substantially. Although adults cooperate better than adolescents, they present a different set of challenges for the orthodontist. Adults may have worn or abraded teeth, uneven gingival margins, missing papillae, and periodontal bone loss, all of which can jeopardize the esthetic appearance of the teeth after bracket removal. This article will discuss the solutions for managing these challenging orthodontic-periodontic-restorative situations to produce a more ideal esthetic result.