Changes in Gingival Recession Related to Orthodontic Treatment of Traumatic Deep Bites in Adults

Abstract

It was the aim of this investigation to establish whether orthodontic treatment of traumatic deep bites can restore trauma-related gingival recessions in adults. Forty-one incisor sites with trauma-related recession (group Tr) and 54 trauma-free sites (group NonTr) were diagnosed in the upper palatal or lower buccal regions in twelve adult patients (mean age 38.3 +/- 8.1 years). The 48 antagonistic sites on the buccal aspects of the upper incisors (Ubuc) and 47 sites on the lingual aspects of the lower incisors (L-ling) were also evaluated. Changes in clinical crown lengths achieved during treatment were measured on dental casts, and length changes in recessions were measured on screen projections of magnified intraoral photographs. The clinical crown lengths (mean: -1.13 +/- 0.97 mm) and recession depths (mean: -2.05 +/- 0.93 mm) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the trauma group (Tr). We also observed significant shortening (p < 0.05) of clinical crown lengths in the buccal sites of upper incisors (U-buc) (mean: -0.16 +/- 0.46 mm). All other changes were insignificant. Orthodontic treatment of traumatic deep bites involving removal of gingival trauma and intrusion of incisor teeth shows great potential in reducing the length of clinical crowns and depth of gingival recessions. In trauma-free buccal sites of upper incisors, intrusion therapy may also improve the gingival marginal contour.