Which ligament is most likely contracted or remodeled to fix interproximal wear through orthodontic treatment?

• A. Transseptal ligament
• B. Alveolar ligament
• C. Periodontal ligament
• D. Sphenopalatine ligament

Answer: (A)

When orthodontic correction aims to fix interproximal wear, the emphasis is on reestablishing proper contact between neighboring teeth. A connective tissue bridge directly between adjacent teeth plays a key role here: the transseptal ligament. This band of fibers runs from the cementum of one tooth to the cementum of the adjacent tooth across the interdental septum. It helps hold teeth in close alignment and resists separation. Under orthodontic forces, these interdental fibers can remodel or tighten, effectively pulling the teeth closer together and helping to re-create a tight contact point. Restoring that contact reduces interproximal wear by stopping undesirable space opening and smoothing the bite.

The periodontal ligament around tooth roots is the primary tissue that remodels to enable tooth movement through bone turnover, but the question focuses on the tissue that directly connects two neighboring teeth and influences their relative position. The other options don’t play a direct role in adjusting interdental contacts for wear repair.