Esthetics: Orthodontics, periodontics and restorative dentistry interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

The objectives of orthodontic therapy are to establish a good occlusion, enhance the health of the periodontium, and improve dental and facial esthetics. The common unaesthetic situations that may develop during orthodontic treatment are: "gummy" smile, gingival margin discrepancies, and the “missing papilla”. In some of these situations, alteration of tooth position is preferred to correct the esthetic problem. In other patients gingival surgery is the optimal treatment plan for enhancing the esthetic appearance of the teeth. Therefore interrelationship of Orthodontics, Periodontics and Restorative dentistry is quite important for successful orthodontic treatment in relation to esthetic requirement of orthodontic patients. Therefore a need arises to understand these common unaesthetic situations of Gummy Smile, Gingival margin discrepancies and missing papillae for better understanding and ultimate treatment outcome of the patient. The key is to look for these unesthetic problems not only before orthodontic bracketing, but also during the finishing stages of treatment to determine if the solution will require additional tooth movement or periodontal surgery to achieve the most esthetic outcome.