Active Tooth Movement

Orthodontic movement of teeth has an impact on the surrounding gingival, periodontal, and bony structures of the teeth. Applying force to teeth leads to periodontal changes that result from a number of complex processes and adaptive responses at molecular level.14 Subsequent to active orthodontic treatment, consolidation of the result in terms of tissue changes at the cellular level occurs after 3-4 months. Adaptation of the elastic fibers and collagen network of the gingiva takes longer, however. It takes between 6 months and 1 year for these to reorganize, depending on the patient’s age.18 ^, 20

Functional Parameters of the Orovestibular System

Orthodontic treatment has an immediate impact on the stomatognathic system, particularly when the treatment is undertaken during growth; a fine-tuned and highly individual interplay between the functionality of the chewing apparatus, the tongue, and the facial musculature develops during this period in particular. All kinds of orofacial functions and dysfunctions, such as parafunc-tions or habits, can have an impact on the stability of a patient’s postorthodontic occlusion. In particular, functional changes in habitual tongue positioning can be a challenge for the stability of the final orthodontic result; the tongue is a relatively powerful, subconsciously controlled muscle ( Fig. 9.1 ). The section on “Retention Following Treatment for Anterior Open Bites” below provides suggestions for retention strategies that are largely compliance-free.

Patient’s Age

Some authors claim that a patient’s residual growth may influence the orthodontic treatment results. Particularly in treatment for patients with underlying skeletal problems, there is often a need for greater retention until the end of the active growth period.3 As growth patterns are genetically predetermined, there is a risk of long-term relapse. In fact, growthlike changes in the maxillofacial skeleton appear to persist well into adulthood.

Although growth changes do not appear to be a predominant factor for relapse in adult patients, it is important to remember that this group has a reduced ability to respond to orthodontic stimuli. Cellular activity is reduced in comparison with adolescent patients, and the individual cellular response to orthodontic treatment tends to decrease with increasing age. This appears to be the case for both hard and soft tissues. Orthodontists need to be aware that when treatment for adult patients is being planned, the stability of the desired result will be affected by the patient’s reduced ability to adapt to the changes achieved. In addition, all orthodontic treatment changes are also affected by a reduced capability of tissue repair (with all the associated consequences) as the patient gets older.