Wilckodontics--an alternative adult orthodontic treatment method: rational and application

Abstract

Adult orthodontics poses a challenge for practitioners as it involves unique biomechanical considerations due to biologic age related changes and lack of skeletal growth potential. Dental risks in adult orthodontics include, amongst others, root resorption and periodontal complications. As modern life calls for quick and efficient orthodontic treatments, a novel orthodontic modality was developed utilizing adjunctive periodontal surgery that includes bone corticotomy combined with bone augmentation. This multidisciplinary team approach: Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) or Wilckodontics seems to be promising not only for reducing orthodontic treatment duration, but also for biological aspects during and after orthodontic treatment. PAOO enhances bone remodeling and augmentation, accelerates tooth movement and significantly reduces the duration of treatment. The presented cases manifest the biologic benefit of profound enlargement in the envelope of motion reducing the need for extraction and eliminating the need for aggressive intervention of surgically-assisted rapid maxillary expansion. PAOO serves as a reasonable and safe option for the growing demand of shortened treatment duration of adult teeth movement in three dimensions. Further research is recommended for an in depth evaluation of the long-term stability claimed to be advantageous in this modality.