Guided bone regeneration of a pronounced gingivo-alveolar cleft due to orthodontic space closure.
BACKGROUND
Gingival invagination is a relatively common occurrence following orthodontic closure of extraction sites. The present paper reports a combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment in a patient with a severe gingivo-alveolar cleft due to orthodontic closure of maxillary central incisor extraction space.


METHODS
A definite interdental gingival cleft, extending 8 mm into the alveolar bone, required the correction of the gingival deformity as a first step, followed by guided bone regeneration (GBR). The GBR approach included the emptying of the incisive foramen to approximately 5 mm in depth followed by the insertion of bioabsorbable hydroxyapatite and covering with a bioabsorbable barrier membrane. Six months afterward, the orthodontic therapy was resumed.


RESULTS
Radiographs and clinical examination 4 years after the completion of therapy indicates functionally and aesthetically satisfactory and stable results.


CONCLUSIONS
The present paper illustrates an additional application for the guided bone regeneration technique.
Pinheiro
Maria Letícia B
ML
Graduate Periodontics, School of Dentistry at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Moreira
Teresa Cristina
TC
Feres-Filho
Eduardo J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019516:Orthodontic Space Closure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome