Interfaces between orthodontics and prosthodontics: interdisciplinary possibilities and "innovations"

Introduction: This article presents possibilities regarding how orthodontists and prosthodontists can cooperate together to create conditions for an esthetically pleasing and functionally oriented treatment result. When planning the prosthetic treatment of anterior gaps, the gaps can be adjusted in advance by means of orthodontic treatment so that they can subsequently be treated in the best possible esthetic and functional manner. Material and Methods: Adhesive bridges represent a suitable treatment option in adolescents for congenitally missing lateral incisors or after anterior tooth loss due to trauma. When designed with one wing, adhesive bridges can be used before the completion of jaw bone development and, if necessary, they can be orthodontically positioned together with the abutment tooth. Prior to complex prosthetic rehabilitation in the esthetic area, malpositioned abutment teeth can be orthodontically positioned or aligned to generate space for an ideal restoration design. Moreover, orthodontic extrusion provides the possibility of achieving sufficient abutment heights in the case of deeply destroyed or fractured teeth, thus permitting the adequate treatment of these critical teeth according to prosthetic guidelines. Oftentimes, in the case of tilted, protruded or retruded teeth, an orthodontic intervention previous to tooth preparation is useful for tooth substance conservation and maintaining the vitality of abutment teeth. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a specific combination of orthodontic and prosthetic treatment measures can achieve a better restorative treatment result in terms of function, esthetics and long-term stability. Often, this is accompanied by a reduction in treatment duration and costs. Keywords: adhesive bridges, esthetics, extrusion, gap management, interdisciplinary treatments