American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

When assessing attached gingiva, having less than 2mm of attached gingiva is clinically significant. This threshold is critical because attached gingiva serves as a barrier to protect the underlying structures from mechanical trauma, plaque accumulation, and inflammation. Insufficient attached gingiva can lead to periodontal issues and could compromise the integrity of orthodontic treatment.

When attached gingiva is less than 2mm, there's a higher risk of gingival recession, tissue irritation, and loss of periodontal support during orthodontic movements. In such cases, greater caution is required to avoid exacerbating any periodontal issues or causing adverse reactions during treatment.

In contrast, measurements above this level generally indicate a healthier periodontal environment with sufficient protective tissue. Hence, understanding the clinical implications of gingival measurements is essential in planning orthodontic treatments, particularly in patients with minimal attached gingiva.