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Corrente G, Abundo R et al. J Periodontol 2003; 74: 1104–1109

There is uncertainty over whether orthodontic treatment may have adverse effects in the periodontally involved dentition. In this cohort study, 10 patients aged 33-53 yrs, and each with one extruded maxillary central incisor with a proximal infrabony defect, were first treated nonsurgically for periodontal disease. Subsequently, flap surgery was performed, and 7-10 days later orthodontic treatment was started with light continuous forces. Periodontal maintenance was continued throughout. After a mean 10 months, permanent retention was instituted with Maryland splints.

Mean clinical attachment level in the defects improved from 9 to 3.5 mm, and probing depth from 7 to 3 mm. Mean radiographic bone contour improved from 4.3 to 3 mm vertically, and 3.4 to 2 mm horizontally. There was some measurable improvement in all individual cases. No adverse orthodontic effects were observed. The authors recommend their approach for patients with this type of problem.