Orthodontic treatment with passive eruption and mesialization of semi-impacted mandibular third molar in an adult with multiple dental losses

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the orthodontic treatment performed on an adult patient with multiple dental losses. CASE REPORT: A female patient, 20 years and 4 months old, presented with the following conditions: absence of teeth #26, #35, #36 and #46; semi-impacted tooth #48; inclined molars adjacent to an edentulous space; canines and premolars in a Class II relationship; a convex profile; biprotrusion; and forced lip sealing. RESULTS: Space in the region of tooth #26 was closed, as well the space of tooth #46; tooth #48 erupted and followed mesial movement passively; space of the region of tooth #35 was maintained for the placement of a dental implant; uprighting of tooth #37 was obtained. Aesthetic and functional goals of the treatment were achieved. Results remained stable 10 years after the end of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The modified helical loop could be effectively used in orthodontic mechanics to close edentulous spaces. Passive semi-impacted mandibular third molar eruption and mesialization can occur in adults when proper space is provided.