Alveolar Bone Assessment in Orthodontic Treatment
Summary
Alveolar bone assessment is central to safe and effective orthodontic treatment, as the thickness, height and integrity of the alveolar ridge determine the limits of tooth movement and influence long-term periodontal health. Advances in three-dimensional imaging and quantitative analysis have deepened understanding of how orthodontic forces induce bone remodelling, with particular focus on buccal and lingual plate changes, dehiscence formation and fenestrations. Detailed evaluation of alveolar architecture enables clinicians to predict areas at risk, tailor mechanics to individual skeletal patterns and monitor bone response throughout active treatment and retention. By integrating clinical examination with high-resolution imaging, modern practice seeks to minimise adverse sequelae such as gingival recession, root resorption and attachment loss, while optimising aesthetic and functional outcomes.
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Alveolar Bone Assessment in Orthodontic Treatment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in alveolar bone assessment in orthodontic treatment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Alveolar bone: the part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth.
Bone dehiscence: a loss of alveolar bone leaving the root surface exposed in a vertical defect.
Bone fenestration: a window-like defect in the alveolar bone exposing the root surface without involving the marginal bone crest.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): a radiographic imaging method providing three-dimensional views of dental and skeletal structures.
Periodontal ligament (PDL): the connective tissue that attaches the tooth root to the alveolar bone.
Bone remodelling: the dynamic process of bone resorption and formation in response to mechanical or biological stimuli.
References
- Long-term bone remodeling of maxillary anterior teeth with post-treatment alveolar bone defect in adult patients with maxillary protrusion: a prospective follow-up study. Progress in Orthodontics (2023).
- CBCT Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Change and Root Resorption after Orthodontic Treatment: A Retrospective Study. Diagnostics (2024).
- Bone Remodeling during Orthodontic Movement of Lower Incisors—Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).
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