Root resorptions in upper first premolars after application of continuous torque moment. Intra-individual study

With the purpose of investigating the occurrence, localization and extension of possible root resorptions after fixed appliance treatment with a continuous torque force, 28 upper first premolars orthodontically indicated for extraction from 14 patients were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Tooth movement was carried out with continuous moments of different magnitudes (300 cNmm, and 600 cNmm), using a biomechanical model with superelastic wires (stainless steel-NiTi-SE), which was specially designed and individually calibrated. The teeth were divided into one control group with four premolars (non-moved) from two patients, and two experimental groups (300 cNmm and 600 cNmm respectively) with six patients each. Each group was distributed intra-individually as follows: the right first premolar of six patients was extracted after 1 week of movement, the left first premolars were removed after 2, 3 and 4 weeks. After extraction, teeth were fixed, treated with 2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 6 hours in order to remove the organic tissue components, dehydrated, and metal-coated in a Balzers SCD 050 apparatus.

The analysis in a scanning electron microscope (Jeol 6100, at 10-15 kV) revealed many resorption lacunae in the root surface, mainly on the lingual side in the apical third of the roots. Resorption processes were also observed on the buccal root surface in the cervical third. All experimental teeth showed resorption areas. Teeth which had been moved for a longer time period and with a higher magnitude of applied moments showed a higher degree of root resorption in width as well as in depth. Higher magnitude of moments produced exposure of root dentine, evidencing pronounced root resorption.