James Deschner

Biography

James Deschner is Professor and Director of the Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry at the University of Mainz in Germany. He graduated from the Free University of Berlin in Germany in 1994 and began his career in periodontology at the Humboldt University of Berlin before moving to Cologne after four years. From 2002 to 2006, he pursued his research interests at the University of Pittsburgh and Ohio State University in the United States. After returning to Germany in 2006, James Deschner continued his clinical and scientific work in periodontology at the University of Bonn. In 2008 he was appointed to head a multi-million Euro funded clinical research unit. In 2015, he took over the leadership of the newly created Section of Experimental Dento-Maxillo-Facial Medicine at the University of Bonn, a position he held until 2018, when he moved to the University of Mainz. In 2017, he was appointed Noel Martin Visiting Chair at the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Sydney in Australia. James Deschner has published numerous scientific articles, mainly in the field of periodontology, biomechanics and orthodontics, and is currently an Officer of the Scientific Affairs Committee of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).

Title

Orthodontics and Periodontology: Two disciplines, one goal!

Abstract

Orthodontics and periodontics are two disciplines that share common goals. Both aim to improve occlusion, function and aesthetics and to promote long-term oral health. There are numerous interfaces between orthodontics and periodontics that become clinically relevant when orthodontic therapy is planned, for example, for flared maxillary incisors, severely tilted molars or a traumatic deep overbite in patients with periodontitis. Numerous studies have shown that periodontitis patients can be successfully treated orthodontically. In these studies, the orthodontic therapy was performed at different time points after periodontal treatment, sometimes even simultaneously with periodontal therapy. The optimal time point to start orthodontic therapy also seems to depend on whether non-surgical or regenerative periodontal therapy is performed. The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline for the treatment of stage IV periodontitis has recently addressed this and other issues related to the orthodontic treatment of periodontitis patients. For example, it also discusses whether aligners or fixed appliances are more beneficial in periodontitis patients. The efficacy of skeletal anchorage devices compared to conventional anchorage systems is also of clinical importance. Furthermore, it must be clarified whether and when soft tissue augmentation at maxillary and mandibular incisors is necessary to prevent or treat recessions in orthodontic patients.

Aims, Objectives and Learning outcomes

Aims

The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of clinically important interfaces between orthodontics and periodontics and to make treatment recommendations for orthodontic therapy of periodontitis patients based on existing evidence.

Objectives

The objective of the lecture is to provide a better understanding regarding the necessity, possibilities and limitations of combined periodontal and orthodontic therapy.

Learning outcomes

After the presentation, the attendees will be better able to assess the optimal time point to start orthodontic therapy in periodontitis patients and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of aligners versus fixed appliances and of skeletal anchorage devices versus conventional anchorage systems in these patients. In addition, the attendees will know if and when soft tissue augmentation should be performed at maxillary and mandibular incisors in orthodontic patients.