Abstract

Lower Incisors Exposure: the Reference Point for Planning Orthodontic Treatment in the Aging Patient

by Rosa Marco

When discussing the smile esthetics of the aging patient too much attention is paid to the upper dentition: all the digital smile design procedures focus on the ideal proportions of the upper incisors and forget the most crucial aspect of the teeth esthetics, which is the vertical exposure if the lower front teeth. The natural changes of the lip posture and, above all the fact that adults in their social life mostly talk and do not laugh and smile, means that the lower teeth are much more visible than the upper ones. The black background of the oral cavity highlights the different levels of the incisal edges and, in the worst conditions, also the gingival margins. Therefore, planning the objectives of the therapeutic path should start from the analysis of the vertical exposure of the lower incisors in relation to the patient's age. In adults, other crucial aspects must also be considered that determine precise choices in the therapeutic procedures: the possible attachment loss and consequent changes in periodontal levels, dental wear and malposition of the lower canines and incisors. The presentation aims to illustrate and discuss all these aspects and to propose guidelines for orthodontic and/or interdisciplinary treatment.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to understand the guidelines for a detailed diagnosis.
After this lecture, you will be able to understand the different orthodontic procedures in relation to attachment loss and the consequent remodeling of periodontal tissues.
After this lecture, you will be able to focus on the possible risks of orthodontic treatment.