Orthodontic closure of old, edentulous spaces in the mandibular posterior region is a major challenge. In this report, we describe a method of orthodontic closure of edentulous spaces in the mandibular posterior region accelerated by piezoelectric decortication and alveolar ridge expansion. Combined piezosurgical and orthodontic treatments were used to close 14- and 15-mm-wide spaces in the mandibular left and right posterior areas, respectively, of a female patient, aged 18 years and 9 months, diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion, hypodontia, and polydiastemas. After the piezoelectric decortication, segmental and full-arch mechanics were applied in the orthodontic phase. Despite some extent of root resorption and anchorage loss, the edentulous spaces were closed, and adequate function and esthetics were regained without further restorative treatment. Alveolar ridge expansion-assisted orthodontic space closure seems to be an effective and relatively less-invasive treatment alternative for edentulous spaces in the mandibular posterior region.
Alveolar Process* ; Anodontia ; Esthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Malocclusion ; Mechanics ; Orthodontic Space Closure* ; Root Resorption ; Tooth Movement

The aim of this report is to present the treatment of a 14-year-old boy with scissors-bite. Mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis (MSDO) with tooth-supported distractor was performed to expand the mandible, and intermaxillary cross elastics were used. The mandible was expanded approximately 9 mm. Asymmetric widening was done by using cross elastics and MSDO simultaneously. The buccal crossbite was corrected successfully. After a 2-year observation period, widening of the mandible using this procedure was judged to be stable.
Adolescent ; Facial Asymmetry ; Humans ; Malocclusion ; Mandible ; Osteogenesis, Distraction