Pathological Migration Of Anterior Teeth In Patients Choosing Orthodontic Treatment - A Retrospective Study

Pathological migration of anterior teeth is a functional and esthetic problem that may be associated with the destruction of supporting structures of the periodontal ligament. It is defined as a change in the tooth position that occurs as a result of disruption of the maintenance of the normal position of the teeth in their arch. Anterior teeth are especially prone to elongation and displacement as they are not protected by occlusal forces and have no antero–posterior contacts to inhibit tooth migration. To ensure a good clinical outcome, excellent coordination care must be taken between orthodontic and periodontal discipline. A retrospective analysis was done by analysing patient records present in saveetha dental college where patients' intraoperative photographs were checked for cross verification. Records of 7386 subjects from the hospital database were analysed. Results obtained were tabulated and statistically analysed using chi square test. Within the limits of this study pathological migration was more prevalent among the age group of 30-50 years (0.82%) than other age groups and the results were statistically significant (p<0.05). Similarly male patients (0.76%) had higher prevalence of pathological migration when compared to female patients(0.49%) but the results obtained were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Among the 84 patients who had pathological migration in the anterior teeth region, most of the patients who belonged to the age group 30-50 years(15.48) have undergone orthodontic treatment. 10 male patients(11.9%) and 13 female patients (15.48%) underwent orthodontic treatment and the results were found to be statistically insignificant(p>0.05).