Mucogingival Complications Following Orthodontic Space Closure; A Retrospective Study

Aim of the study: To investigate, retrospectively, the incidence of mucogingival complications after orthodontic space closure.

Materials and methods: A total of 35 files of patients, who were orthodontically treated in the Department of orthodontics at the National Center of Dental specialties and Syrian Board in Damascus/ Syria, were analyzed. Their treatment plans included orthodontic space closure. Patients were recalled and subjected to intra-oral examination to investigate cases of mucogingival complications. Chi Square statistical test was used to test the relationship between variables.

Results: No gingival complications were found in 32.3% of cases. Other complications varied among gingival inflammation, invaginations, clefts, and overgrowth. Gingival invaginations were found in 46.2% and 53.8% in the upper and lower jaws respectively. Gingival clefts were found in 61.5% and 38.5% in the upper and lower jaws respectively. No significant relationship was found between gingival complication and the method of orthodontic space closure.

Conclusion: Orthodontic space closure was not accompanied with high incidences of mucogingival complications (i.e. gingival invaginations and/or clefts). Most gingival complications were noted in the upper jaw compared to the lower jaw. No harmful features that could put the periodontal tissues at serious risk were documented.

Keywords: Gingival invagination; Cleft; Orthodontic; Space closure