Individual Tooth Movement

When treating children, it is important to regularly monitor their growth and development. The clinician should constantly check to see if interceptive orthodontics will be necessary. Even in cases where the arches are nicely developed and the skeletal relationship is well balanced, there is often the need for some minor tooth movement -- because the sequence of eruption seems to be slightly different for every patient.

For example, it is not uncommon for a primary central to exfoliate late and cause an adult central to erupt lingually. When this is the case, a simple appliance can be used to help guide this central back into its normal position. Another common situation where minor tooth movement is appropriate occurs when cuspids are forced to erupt into a mesial-buccal position because the first bicuspids erupted before them. When the arch length is sufficient, the cuspids can easily be brought back into the arch by first moving the bicuspids distally prior to retracting the cuspids.

When it comes to adults, now more than ever cosmetic dentistry is an integral part of an active practice. You shouldn’t call yourself a cosmetic dentist if you are unable recognize when orthodontic therapy would enhance your ability to create a superior esthetic result. Minor tooth movement, in conjunction with your restorative care, can be used in many ways to enhance a patient’s appearance.