Orthodontic treatment in an elderly patient

Abstract

Aim: To describe a case of an elder female skeletal Class I patient with chronic periodontitis after-effects who underwent orthodontic treatment. Methods: An interdisciplinary approach was established to rehabilitate the patient. In the orthodontic area, Roth 0.018 fi xed appliances were used and stripping was performed in order to correct the spacing, protrusion and torque of the anterior teeth. Intrusion of the upper anterior segment was also performed. Retention on the upper and lower arch was fi xed with individual bonding from canine to canine. Results: Molar class was maintained since the patient had fixed prosthesis on the posterior area. The after-effects of periodontitis were improved as well as the quality of the periodontal tissues. Conclusions: The treatment of the elder patient requires a close interdisciplinary approach with every area of competence due to the multiple conditions that they frequently suffer from. Although orthodontic treatment is limited, the living quality of these patients is improved.

Key words: Elder patient, orthodontics, chronic periodontitis.