Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches to Correcting Secondary Dentofacial Deformities Following Tooth Loss

Ilham Mehmani; Vusala Mehmani

doi:10.64124/DMR-2026-1-ORTH-3

Authors

Ilham Mehmani Azerbaijan Medical University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2072-7944
Vusala Mehmani Azerbaijan Medical University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0933-8764

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64124/DMR-2026-1-ORTH-3

Keywords:

edentulism, secondary dentofacial deformities, occlusal disorders, preventive prosthodontics, combined orthodontic-prosthetic rehabilitation, tooth stabilization

Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the high prevalence of secondary dentofacial deformities following tooth loss. Failure to timely restore dental arch defects leads to migration of adjacent teeth, disruption of occlusal relationships, and the development of functional and aesthetic impairments. Consequently, the development of effective preventive strategies and comprehensive treatment protocols for these conditions is of paramount importance.
Materials and Methods. The study included 72 patients (aged 25–65 years) with partial edentulism and secondary dentofacial deformities, recruited from the Department of Orthodontics at Azerbaijan Medical University. The diagnostic protocol comprised clinical examination, analysis of study models, and panoramic radiography. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group (n = 36) received early preventive prosthetic treatment, while the second group (n = 36) underwent combined orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on occlusal normalization, tooth position correction, and functional and aesthetic improvements over a 12-month follow-up period.
Results. Preventive prosthetic treatment effectively mitigated the development of secondary deformities, with stabilization achieved in 83.3% of cases. In the combined treatment group, correction of tooth displacement was observed in 88.9% of patients, and occlusion normalization in 86.1%. Additionally, both functional efficiency and patient satisfaction scores improved significantly. Conversely, cases with delayed treatment were associated with more severe dentofacial deformities and increased complexity of the rehabilitation process.
Discussion. The obtained results confirm that tooth loss triggers progressive dentofacial changes, manifesting as tooth migration and occlusal disturbances. Our study demonstrates that early prosthetic intervention serves as a crucial preventive measure against these complications. Furthermore, a combined orthodontic and prosthetic approach proves highly effective in managing established deformities, ensuring both functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. While these findings are promising, further longitudinal studies with extended follow-up periods are necessary to evaluate the long-term stability of the achieved treatment outcomes.
Conclusions.
1. Tooth loss is a significant factor contributing to the development of secondary dentofacial deformities.
2. Early prosthetic treatment is essential for the effective prevention of these secondary changes.
3. A combined orthodontic and prosthetic therapeutic approach demonstrates the highest efficacy in managing established dentofacial deformities.
4. Timely clinical intervention significantly enhances overall treatment outcomes and improves the patient’s quality of life.

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