The Synergy of Periodontal and Orthodontic Care in Adolescents: A Guide for Family Dentists

Abstract

Oral health is one of the most unmet healthcare needs of adolescents. Adolescents need a unique approach to motivate them about their oral health status. This is particularly important because lifelong health habits are created during these formative years, and prevention opportunities for sealants and varnish are only available at this age. The objective of this narrative review is to take into account the synergy between periodontal and orthodontic care in adolescents. One of the rational foundations of our review is the pre-requisite of preservation of healthy teeth and healthy gingival condition. Certain orthodontic discrepancies are associated with difficulties in maintaining good hygiene leading to gingivitis and potentially periodontitis as possible consequences. Likewise, the correct alignment of teeth in their respective arches and the establishment of normal inter-arch relationships provided by orthodontic treatments facilitate the maintenance of hygiene and the control of periodontal inflammation.