Reconstruction of alveolar width for orthodontic tooth movement: a case report

A problem that has limited orthodontic treatment is lack of buccal-lingual alveolar width into which teeth can be moved. Causes may range from surgical obliteration to physiologic constriction after tooth removal. Lack of buccal-lingual alveolar width does not have to be an orthodontic limitation anymore. A technique used routinely to graft alveolar clefts can remedy this problem. Autogenous cancellous bone is placed subperiosteally on the buccal aspect of the constricted edentulous space. The flap is closed over the bone. The adjacent teeth may be orthodontically moved into the grafted edentulous area in approximately 6 weeks. Long-term follow-up has revealed excellent orthodontic stability, periodontal health, and dental vitality. A case report of one patient with loss of buccal-lingual alveolar space is presented. It is concluded that loss or lack of sufficient buccal-lingual alveolar width no longer must be an orthodontic limiting factor.