Lower intercanine width and gingival margin changes. A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Periodontology

Background:

• Gingival margin changes can occur during orthodontic treatment.
• The relationship between lower intercanine width changes and gingival margin alterations is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if alterations in lower intercanine width during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment influence gingival margin position around lower canines and incisors.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 178 Caucasian adolescents undergoing non-extraction fixed appliance treatment was studied.
• Pre- and post-treatment intra-oral photographs and study models were analyzed.
• Lower intercanine widths and gingival margin positions were measured using digital calipers.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was observed between maintaining an unaltered lower intercanine width and coronal migration of gingival margins (p = 0.045).
• No significant associations were found between increased or decreased intercanine widths and gingival margin changes.

Conclusions:

• Coronal migration of gingival margins around lower incisors and canines following orthodontic treatment is more likely associated with an unaltered intercanine width.
• Maintaining intercanine width may be a factor in preventing gingival recession during orthodontic therapy.