title: Non-Orthodontic, Non-Restorative Closure of Acquired Diastemata.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To illustrate the reversibility of "pathologic tooth migration" in several patients that were managed by periodontal therapy alone, along with a review of the relevant literature.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Pathologic tooth migration (PTM) is a common phenomenon among patients seeking dental care. Different etiologic factors have been implicated in PTM: loss of periodontal support, occlusal interferences, posterior bite collapse, and various oral habits such as: lip biting, tongue thrusting, and playing wind instruments. Identification of all the causative factors involved in PTM is crucial for a successful treatment outcome. Managing severe cases of acquired diastemata may necessitate a complex and a sequential intervention involving periodontic, orthodontic and prosthodontic measures. However, "spontaneous regression" of teeth to their original position may occur in certain cases after elimination of the offending factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "Spontaneous" closure of acquired diastemata could occur following surgical and/or non-surgical periodontal therapy or removal of occlusal interferences. Correction of pathologically migrated teeth without orthodontic or restorative treatment is feasible, but unpredictable.
authors.forename: Rania
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Livada
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shiloah
authors.forename: Timothy L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Hottel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000628:therapy; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000379:methods; D003970:Diastema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000628:therapy; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000628:therapy; D016745:Root Planing / Q000379:methods; D014085:Tooth Migration / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*