By

Kenji W. Higuchi, DDS, MS, In private Practice, Spokane Valley, WA

Book Desciption

Endosseous implants now can be used to provide stable skeletal anchorage for the lateral movement of teeth. Moreover, through careful treatment planning, the implants used for orthodontic anchorage can provide support for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth during and after the course of orthodontic treatment. This book presents the clinical, biological, and biomechanical considerations of this relatively new treatment combination from a multidisciplinary perspective. It combines theoretical discussions of bone physiology, metabolism, and biomechanics with practical guidelines for treating the partially edentulous patient, the multidisciplinary patient, and the growing child. For each of these situations, readers will learn the indications for implant anchorage, methods of locating the appropriate implant position, timing of orthodontic loading, types of provisional restorations appropriate for attaching orthodontic brackets, and effects of orthodontic loading on the integrity of osseointegration and the final restoration. The use of subperiosteal bone anchors and the application of distraction osteogenesis in combination with osseointegrated implants are also described.

Preface:
Of the significant advances in dentistry during the twentieth century, arguably none has extended the treatment horizons more than the successful use of osseointegrated implants. Applying the principles of osseointegration, clinicians are able to predictably replace missing teeth with excellent long-term esthetic and functional results. It is the premise of this text that the specialty of orthodontics plays a major role in the interdisciplinary management of patients treated with implants. Using a team approach, the restorative dentist, orthodontist, and surgeon are able to develop a treatment plan relying on the unique skills of each discipline. The following chapters review the synergistic relationship of osseointegrated implant therapy in orthodontics including treatment planning, presurgical orthodontic preparation, tooth replacement, and implant-orthodontic anchorage. Although designed to benefit any restorative dentist, prosthodontist, or surgeon involved with implant treatment, this book focuses on the specific interests of orthodontists, a subject that has been inadequately addressed. It is hoped that this material will encourage the use of osseointegrated implant therapy in orthodontic patients and that this will lead to superior clinical results. I extend my sincere thanks to each of the contributors, without whose dedication and effort this project would not have been possible. To close, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor P-I Brånemark, who has encouraged my activities in diverse areas of osseointegration, but more important, has taught me always to keep the patient’s welfare foremost.
Kenji W. Higuchi, DDS, MS

Reviews

“Kenji W. Higuchi, DDS, MS, skillfully assembled a distinguished group of authorities from various dental disciplines to complement and support his work in maxillofacial surgery, implantology and orthodontics. His easy-to-read book has hundreds of excellent photographs, concise diagrams and pieces of artwork”.
Reviewed by Henry E. Kraski, DDS, FICOI
Today’s FDA, December 2000