The changes of gingival recessions after orthodontic treatment

• Relevance of the problem and aim of the work. Most studies analyze the occurrence of gingival recessions after orthodontic treatment. However, there is a lack of information about changes of preexisting gingival recessions during orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of orthodontic treatment on gingival recessions and analyze factors, which could influence it. • Material and methods. Intraoral photographs of 993 patients’ treated 2005 - 2017 were evaluated. Patients were treated by two orthodontists in LUHS (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences) Orthodontic clinic and three private clinics. Data for analysis: patient’s age, orthodontic treatment duration, gender, tooth extraction, gingival biotype, the dimentions of preorthodontically existing gingival recessions, overbite, overjet, Angle class, Wits and the angles of incisors inclination. • Results. Most of preorthodontically existing gingival recessions were found on maxillary premolars, while mandibular incisors were least affected. From 114 gingival recessions, 71 (62,3%) has improved, 37 (32,5%) did not change, 6 (5,3%) became worse during orthodontic treatment. 15 (13,2%) have healed. 7 (43,8%) of maxillary incisors while none of mandibular incisors have healed. On average gingival recessions improved 0,51 mm (SN 0,62), p3mm and overjet was ≥4mm. More preorthodontically existing gingival recessions (27,3%) have healed when gingival biotype was thick and Wits was >1mm. Gingival recessions showed less tendency for healing (6,3%) when Wits was <-1 mm, p