Influence of proximal contact point on alveolar bone crest in teeth moved to extraction sites – Pilot Study

Introduction: The opening of the contact point can happen after orthodontic closure of the site of dental extraction and opened interproximal contacts are considered potential factors for periodontal diseases. Objective: To evaluate the condition of the alveolar bone crest of the interdental site between canines and upper premolars with or without contact points in individuals submitted to orthodontics associated with the extraction of the first premolars. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study selected upper canines and premolars of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment without extractions (12 hemiarches – control group), or with extraction of the upper first premolars and whose canines and second premolars had interproximal contact (11 hemiarches – group 1) or diastema (15 hemiarches – group 2). The height and the presence of lamina dura in the interproximal bone crest of the distal surfaces of canines and mesial surfaces of premolars were evaluated. Results: Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated the higher and smallest prevailing of the presence of lamina dura, respectively. The control group presented the bone crest positioned more crownly in relation to the others groups. Experimental groups did not present significant differences to the height of bone crest. Conclusion: The orthodontic allocation of teeth to extraction sites was associated with the significant reduction of the height of the marginal bone crest, regardless of the presence or absence of contact point between the teeth. The lack of contact point resulted in a minor prevalence of the continuity of the lamina dura of the alveolar bone crest in these regions.