Orthodontic strategies to optimize space for an implant prosthesis

Although dental implant treatments have been widely adopted around the world in recent years, complications at their restorative phase may still challenge the provision of a proper implant-supported prosthesis. These complexities may be related to the restorative space available, aesthetic requirements or soft tissue conditions. Using an orthodontic appliance can be considered when there is insufficient prosthetic space. In this approach, the teeth adjacent to the missing area are separated using controlled orthodontic forces. Given the long-term nature of the process and the risk of coronal and radical complications in neighbouring teeth, practitioners must be careful about patient selection for this procedure. This case report presents the treatment stages and successful outcome of orthodontic space opening for a compliant patient who attended for provision of implant restoration with reduced restorative space. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article presents an orthodontic approach to help regain the space for an appropriately designed and contoured implant-supported restoration.