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The role of orthodontics in the regeneration of the degenerated dentition
Author(s) -
Melsen B.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of oral rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.991
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2842
pISSN - 0305-182X
DOI - 10.1111/joor.12365
Subject(s) - dentition , fixed prosthodontics , medicine , dentistry , orthodontics , life expectancy , regeneration (biology) , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , population , environmental health
Summary The demand for regeneration of a degenerated dentition has been increasing as a result of the development of societies, where the life expectancy is increasing and fighting age‐related changes is in focus. Whereas removable dentures were acceptable and considered a norm earlier, patients do, to an increasing degree,demand fixed prosthetics; consequently, the development of implants has had an important impact. The balance in the chewing organ will change with time, due to age‐related changes within the bone and the loss of teeth due to caries or periodontal disease, and malocclusions may develop or aggravate. The re‐establishment of an aesthetical and functional satisfactory solution cannot be reached by replacing teeth by fixed prosthodontics and implants. The aim of this update was threefold: firstly, to demonstrate that age‐related changes, often unnoticed by both the patient and the general dentist, can lead to degeneration of the dentition; secondly, to explain how an interdisciplinary approach can make regeneration of even severe degeneration possible; and finally, to show the importance of the general dentist in the maintenance of the obtained results. Treatments should not aim for short‐term results but focus on maintainable results.