Orthodontic tooth movement in relation to angular bony defects

Abstract Objectives This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the benefits of adjunctive orthodontic treatment with or without periodontal regenerative surgery in the treatment of angular bony defects, defect volume, and periodontal tissue conditions in adult patients. Methods An electronic keyword search was conducted in the literature database PubMed as well as in Google Scholar. Originally, studies describing all types of orthodontic tooth movement (tipping, bodily movement, intrusion, extrusion) in relation to bone defects such as periodontal, furcation and extraction site defects were reviewed. Only those articles depicting tooth movement after periodontal therapy and the control of inflammation were included. Results Evidence indicates that orthodontic tooth movement can result in the reduction or elimination of periodontal bony defect dimensions, a reduction in probing pocket depth and a gain in clinical attachment level. Furthermore, the published data show that orthodontic tooth movement before or after regenerative surgery can provide therapeutic benefits in the recovery of angular bony defects. Conclusions This review supports the premise that adjunctive orthodontic treatment in adults with reduced but healthy periodontal tissues is a solution for the modification of bony defect contours with or without periodontal regenerative therapy.