Orthodontic treatment for preserving periodontally hopeless teeth in a middle-aged patient: a case report

Abstract

In this case report, we show a strategic approach to prolonging the lifespan of pathologically migrated maxillary canines with a hopeless prognosis in a 57-year-old female patient, highlighting the potential of orthodontic management for middle-aged patients to enhance both occlusion and facial esthetics while minimizing the need for extensive prosthetic treatment. According to the visual treatment objec-tive, the nonextraction treatment plan showed advantages in the type of orthodontic tooth movement and final occlusal relationship. Therefore, considering the favorable periodontal treatment results and single-root teeth, the hopelessly migrated maxillary canines were relocated, eliminating the existing trauma from occlusion. Segmental tooth movement was performed, and orthodontic temporary skeletal anchorage devices were used to support strategic orthodontic tooth movement. After 27 months of treatment, proper occlusion was established with a significant improvement in facial esthetics. The periodontally compromised teeth were preserved with adequate periodontal support. The patient expressed satisfaction with the results, and the 30-month follow-up records confirmed the stability of treatment outcomes. (Angle Orthod. 2026;96:125–136.). © 2026 by The EH Angle Education and Research Foundation, Inc.