Any literature on estimating the rate of teeth shifting?
I have a 29- year old male patient who presented with #30 non-restorable [mandibular right first molar; 46] and he wants an implant in the near future. As for right now, he can only afford extraction and socket preservation. We will probably have to wait 2 years when he can afford the implant installation. My question is if I wait too long, the space of #30 might be closed due to teeth shifting and extrusion from the maxillary arch. I wonder if anyone is aware of any literature estimating the rate or speed of teeth shifting and estimating how long for closing the space?
2 Comments on Any literature on estimating the rate of teeth shifting?
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CRS
2/20/2014
Not sure there is much variability why not make him a space maintainer?
mpedds
2/25/2014
We have all seen patients who seem to have rather rapid movement of teeth after tooth loss. Conversely we often see patients who confound us i.e. teeth missing for years with little movement. Two years is not a long time to wait. I agree with CRS, if concerned make a simple space maintainer/stay plate.
