Gaining adequate interdental space with elastic separating rings against implants: a case series.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is clinically challenging to place and restore an implant when the mesio-distal space is limited or reduced at the occlusal plane and/or the bone level. Placing implants in these cases while ignoring the clinical difficulties and compromising treatment could limit the successful outcome. Treatment options include strategic extractions, sectional orthodontics, and minor orthodontic movements. PURPOSE: To discuss the clinical problems and difficulties arising from limited edentulous mesio-distal space interdentally and to present a treatment modality and technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthodontic elastic separating rings are used to open interdental space between teeth and implants, exerting forces against implants for regaining the needed space and restoring implants with ease. RESULTS: The advantages of this technique are illustrated by clinical cases. CONCLUSIONS: Implants placed in limited interdental edentulous ridges may well assist in regaining lost spaces after loading. Neither an orthodontic background nor special instruments are required for this technique.