Improving Periodontal Health Through Orthodontic Treatment

Recent literature has indicated that small but significant overall periodontal liability occurs with fixed appliances during orthodontic treatment. However, studies indicate that these problems can be overcome almost completely with the use of established preventative dentistry measures employed before, during, and after orthodontic treatment. The key role of the staff will be emphasized in achieving this goal.

Dr. Boyd will present a review of currently available oral health products for orthodontic patients evaluated in light of FDA and ADA approvals for claims. He will use this information and also review the current dental literature to determine which toothpastes, toothbrushes, rinses and other plaque removal aids have been shown to be the most efficient and effective for orthodontic patients with fixed appliances.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the etiology of potential damaging effects from periodontal disease such as bone loss, gingival recession, decalcification, root resorption that can occur during orthodontic treatment, as well as the relationship between general health and active periodontal disease.

Implement an effective preventative program for orthodontic practices, emphasizing the key role of staff to accomplish this. 

1 CE Credits

This is a free course




Dr. Robert Boyd, DDS
Dr. Robert L. Boyd holds degrees in both orthodontics and periodontics from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently the Chairman of the Department of Orthodontics at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry of the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. Dr. Boyd has focused his clinical research and publications on the relationship of orthodontic treatment to periodontal health and esthetics.