Cases Journal


Open Access Highly Access Case Report

Orthodontic tooth movement enhancing bony apposition in alveolar bony defect: a case report

Kyoko Hibino and Ricky WK Wong*

Author Affiliations

Discipline of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, the University of Hong Kong, 2/F Prince Philip Dental Hospital, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong SAR, PR China

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Cases Journal 2009, 2:116 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-116

Published: 3 February 2009

Abstract

Introduction

Prevalence of complications from orthognathic surgery is relatively low but if it happens it is vital to manage the post complication bony defect appropriately.

Case Presentation

This case report describes a 20-year-old gentleman who suffered from a complication from a bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. A bone grafting was carried out to repair the bony defect from the surgery but it was unsuccessful. A non-invasive technique employing the use of very light orthodontic force with a laceback stainless steel ligature is described and a successful space closure with an improvement in the periodontal condition and bone apposition has been shown.

Conclusion

This technique can be considered if orthodontic tooth movement is needed across a deficient alveolar ridge.