[Clinical picture and orthodontic treatment in a shortened interalveolar distance]

A total of 868 patients aged 25 to 68 with various types of occlusion and dentition defects were examined. 212 (24.4%) patients presented with a shortened interalveolar distance (height of occlusion). Abnormal abrasion of hard dental tissues, dentition defects in the lateral sections of dental arches, abnormal occlusion (deep or prognathic), reduced tolerance of periodontal tissues, and dysfunction of the masticatory muscles (bruxism) were found to be the pathogenetic factors leading to the development of this condition. Dysfunction of the masticatory muscles was detected in 41.5% of patients with shortened interalveolar distance and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint in 9.9%; moreover, in many of them traumatic occlusion and disorders in the regional circulation in the periodontium of teeth exposed to overexercise were observed. Orthodontic treatment of patients with shortened interalveolar distance was carried out in two stages: the first stage consisted in functional and adaptation restructuring of the maxillodental system by repair of the height of occlusion and normalization of the mandibular position on a plastic cup which the patients wore for 3 months, and then the second stage ensued, at which they were fitted with dentures. Good results were attained in 95.7% patients.