[New experimental procedures in adult orthodontics]

This presentation discusses a new approach to preprosthetic orthodontic treatment of adult patients with missing anterior teeth. The basic idea is: Prosthodontic appliances with high and lasting esthetic qualities are difficult to obtain in the anterior region. Our alternative is to close anterior gaps by orthodontic treatment, if necessary combined with recontouring of individual crowns by means of grinding and/or light-cure resin buildup. Spaces needing prosthetic closure are transferred to more posterior regions of the dental arch, usually in the premolar region. Different aspects of this new approach has been presented and discussed. The material is derived from a clinical study currently in progress at the departments of orthodontics and prosthetics at The Dental Faculty in Oslo.