Alveolar Bone Augmentation with Orthodontic Treatment Prior to Implant Placement: Part 2. Orthodontic Tooth Movement Into an Atrophic Ridge

Abstract

Significant alveolar bone thickness and height loss occur in an old extraction site. When planning implant placement, alveolar bone loss may lead to poor esthetic and compromise implant treatment success. Therefore, bone grafting may be necessary to promote alveolar bone thickness and height before implant placement. However, the treatment outcome of bone grafting is difficult to predict. Orthodontic implant site switching by orthodontic tooth movement into an atrophic ridge provides a non-aggressive alternative procedure to increase alveolar bone volume. When the tooth is moved orthodontically into an atrophic edentulous ridge, a new bone is formed behind the orthodontically moved tooth recreates a wide bony ridge. However, there is no evidence of treatment guidelines and the effectiveness of this technique. Therefore, this review emphasizes on indication, contraindication, consideration of treatment planning, effectiveness, and complication of orthodontic tooth movement into an atrophic ridge for bone augmentation prior to implant placement.