American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The facial surface primarily experiences ridge resorption after the extraction of deciduous teeth due to several anatomical and physiological factors. Following tooth extraction, the loss of the tooth’s supporting structures leads to changes in the way forces are distributed in the alveolar bone.

On the facial surface, the resorption is influenced by the factors such as the orientation of the alveolar ridge, the position of the teeth prior to extraction, and the associated soft tissue effects that may lead to loss of bone support. When deciduous teeth are removed, the lack of occlusal forces on the facial aspect results in a decrease in bone density over time due to disuse atrophy. This area is typically more affected because it experiences less load and functional stress compared to the palatal or lingual surfaces, which are often better supported by adjacent structures.

Understanding this concept is crucial for planning retention and future restorations after the extraction of deciduous teeth, as significant facial ridge resorption can influence orthodontic treatment outcomes and the stability of subsequent dental restorations.