← All explanationsOrthodontic intrusion

What does controlled inward movement of a tooth mean?

Orthodontic intrusion is planned movement of a tooth further into its socket. It can form part of treatment for selected deep bites. Roots, supporting tissues and force control set limits. A tooth pushed in by an accident requires immediate assessment instead.

For training & practice ↓

Cutaway model of a single-rooted premolar and its supporting tissues; no actual movement is shown. — Reference anatomy; the planned direction would be farther into the socket.

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Towards the socket

Movement follows a planned axis. This differs from simply tipping the tooth.

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Force and anchorage

Treatment needs controlled forces and suitable anchorage. More pressure does not automatically mean better movement.

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Monitor the tissues

Inflammation and previous damage must be considered. Reviews also monitor unwanted changes to the roots.

Read the full explanation

Towards the socket
Movement follows a planned axis. This differs from simply tipping the tooth.
Force and anchorage
Treatment needs controlled forces and suitable anchorage. More pressure does not automatically mean better movement.
Monitor the tissues
Inflammation and previous damage must be considered. Reviews also monitor unwanted changes to the roots.

Notes on the teaching images

Reference anatomy; the planned direction would be farther into the socket.
One possible anchorage aid; it is not required for every intrusion.
Teaching model of root surroundings; no treatment or tissue change is depicted.

For your visit: open the communication cards

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Aim?

A directed position change when appropriate.

Risk to monitor?

Roots and supporting tissues.

Accident?

Immediate assessment; no self-correction.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

Go to film text

Often confused

Intrusion is not wear

A changed tooth position and lost tooth tissue are different findings.

Quick answers

Can this correct every deep bite?

No. Deep bites have different causes; examination determines the appropriate movement.

Is the tooth ground down?

Intrusion describes a change of position, not shortening by grinding.

A tooth looks shorter after an accident. What should I do?

Seek immediate dental assessment. Do not pull it out yourself; management depends partly on tooth type and root development.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which tooth movement is appropriate for my bite and how is it monitored?

With a deep bite, the cause and tissue limits matter more than one movement term.

Discuss bite and tooth preservationAppointment selection at Doctolib

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Apical: Towards the root tip.
Intrusive force: A planned force component towards the socket.
Root resorption: Unwanted loss of root tissue that needs monitoring.

Make the distinction

A changed tooth position and lost tooth tissue are different findings.

Knowledge questionWhat distinguishes intrusion from grinding?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

The tooth position is changed.
Only tooth colour changes.
The crown is routinely removed.

View answer

The tooth position is changed.

Intrusion is tooth movement.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-06. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.