American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics
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Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop · May 2005
Augmentation of faciolingual gingival dimensions with free connective tissue grafts before labial orthodontic tooth movement: an experimental study with a canine model.
The aim of this study was to determine in an animal model whether any increase in gingival thickness after placement of free connective tissue autografts is maintained after labial orthodontic tooth movement. ⋯ Free connective tissue grafts placed on the labial aspect of incisors might help prevent the faciolingual thinning of the gingival tissues that can occur as a result of labial orthodontic tooth movement. Further research is required to confirm these results in a larger sample and determine the long-term benefits of preorthodontic gingival augmentation to prevent gingival recession.