Skeletal anchorage for orthodontic correction of maxillary protrusion with adult periodontitis

Because the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment is increasing, orthodontists are becoming more likely to encounter patients with adult periodontitis. However, it is sometimes difficult to establish anchorage because of poor periodontal tissues in patients with adult periodontitis. This article reports the successful use of skeletal anchorage to treat a maxillary protrusion case complicated by severe adult periodontitis. A female patient aged 50 years seven months showed a skeletal Class II jaw base relationship. A spacing of five mm in the upper anterior teeth with an overjet of 7.5 mm and overbite of four mm was observed. She had generalized horizontal bone loss in both arches, with vertical bone loss in the posterior segment. After periodontal treatment, miniplates were placed in the zygomatic process, and retraction and intrusion of the maxillary incisors were performed. After active treatment for 21 months, the upper incisors had been inclined 9.5 degrees lingually, intruded two mm at the apex, and good anterior occlusion was achieved. Acceptable occlusion and periodontal tissue were maintained after a retention period of two years. Our results suggest that skeletal anchorage is useful for retraction and intrusion of upper incisors in cases of maxillary protrusion with severe adult periodontitis.