Comprehensive management of malocclusion in maxillary fibrous dysplasia: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a developmental hamartomatous bone disease characterized by a blend of fibrous and osseous entities. Though rarely malignant, the tumor can vary from being small and asymptomatic, to a fairly large sized lesion, progressing gradually, compromising occlusion and facial esthetics. Treatment approach depends on the stage of skeletal maturity. It primarily involves surgical management for stabilizing the disease process. Post-surgical comprehensive dental treatment is necessary for restoring form and function of the jaws and teeth. This article describes comprehensive orthodontic management of severe malocclusion in a surgically operated case of FD maxilla.

CASE SUMMARY

A 19-year female presented with a chief complaint of excessive gingival display when smiling. Dental history included swelling of gums around the upper right front teeth, diagnosed at the age of 15 as FD of the right anterior maxillary segment and treated with surgical recontouring of the dysplastic bone. The clinical and radiological examinations showed adequate post-surgical healing. The surgically treated dysplastic area presented with right canting of the maxillary anterior occlusal plane. The maxillary teeth were torqued palatally, with the root of the right maxillary canine exposed clinically. We discuss sequential management of the associated malocclusion with comprehensive fixed orthodontics, along with special precautions taken to prevent reactivation of the quiescent and healed lesion.

CONCLUSION

The adequate healing of fibro-dysplastic bone post-surgery must be allowed before initiating orthodontic tooth movement in the dysplastic bone. Periodic follow-ups are needed to monitor stability of occlusion and any relapse of the lesion.

Keywords: Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia; Malocclusion; Orthodontic tooth movement; Jaw surgery; Case report

Core Tip: This article discusses comprehensive management of severe malocclusion in a surgically treated case of maxillary fibrous dysplasia. Adequate healing of the fibro-dysplastic bone post-surgery must be allowed before initiating orthodontic tooth movement. Orthodontic treatment in such patients should mainly focus on improving function and esthetics. Special precautions must be taken to prevent reactivation/relapse of the quiescent/healed lesion, including sequential orthodontic tooth movement, lighter forces, and avoidance of direct orthodontic forces to the latent bone. Periodic follow-ups are necessary to monitor long-term stability of occlusion and any progression of the lesion.