Orthodontic treatment with passive eruption and mesialization of semi-impacted mandibular third molar in an adult with multiple dental losses.

OBJECTIVE

This article describes the orthodontic treatment performed on an adult patient with multiple dental losses.

CASE REPORT: A female patient, 20 years and 4 months old, presented with the following conditions: absence of teeth #26, #35, #36 and #46; semi-impacted tooth #48; inclined molars adjacent to an edentulous space; canines and premolars in a Class II relationship; a convex profile; biprotrusion; and forced lip sealing.

RESULTS

Space in the region of tooth #26 was closed, as well the space of tooth #46; tooth #48 erupted and followed mesial movement passively; space of the region of tooth #35 was maintained for the placement of a dental implant; uprighting of tooth #37 was obtained. Aesthetic and functional goals of the treatment were achieved. Results remained stable 10 years after the end of the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The modified helical loop could be effectively used in orthodontic mechanics to close edentulous spaces. Passive semi-impacted mandibular third molar eruption and mesialization can occur in adults when proper space is provided.