Orthodontic protraction of the third molars to the posterior teeth missing area

Abstract

The prolonged neglect of the posterior teeth missing area may cause mesial drift, extrusion, unexpected movement of the adjacent teeth and alveolar bone loss with occlusion collapse. Therefore it is recommended to treat that area by the prosthesis as soon as possible after tooth missing. However, if orthodontic treatment is applied to move the remained teeth, it can create improved biomechanical dentoalveolar environment. The use of the third molars in teeth missing area provides advantages as optimizing of prosthesis size. However, crown shape, location, soundness of the third molar and possible of eruption failure should be considered. In this case report, two patients closed a second teeth missing site and reduced the size of the first and second teeth missing area for an implant by protraction of impacted third molars. This case reports the considerations for closing or reducing the posterior teeth space with protracting the third molars by comparing two patients.