The Concept of Driftodontics/Physiologic Drift

Traditionally extraction of teeth has been immediately followed by appliance therapy. This was proposed to prevent adverse and unwanted tooth movement, which include increased curve of Spee, increase in overbite and overjet, incomplete closure of extraction gaps,tipping of teeth and loss of contact points. However, some investigators have contended that initiating therapy immediately following extractions may not be necessary & a period of physiologic dental drift post extraction, as first proposed by Bourdet would have some advantages. The proposed benefits include better occlusal relationships, increased dentoalveolar support, & a shorter period of full appliance therapy due to spontaneous realignment of the dentition.