An experimental model to study intrusive forces in rats

We have developed an experimental model for the study of the response of the periodontal ligament and bone to intrusive orthodontics forces in rats. Thirty-five Wistar rats, body weight 250 gr., were grouped as follows: control (GI), 48 hs (GII), 96 hs (GIII), 7 days (GIV). A steel band was cemented to the first upper right molar with a welded spring running to the occlusal surface of the second molar to exert a vertical force of 15 gr. The left side of treated animals was also used as control. The animals were sacrificed at the corresponding treatment times. Radiographs of the left and right halves of the jawbones were taken with an ultrafine grain industrial film. Seven measurements of the width of the periodontal ligament were taken. The data reveal narrowing of the periodontal ligament at the peri-apex and the furcation area for the animals in Group II. Conversely, Group III and IV animals exhibited widening of the periodontal ligament, particularly in the animals submitted to the force for 7 days. Statistical analysis of the data by Student's paired t test showed that the difference for the latter group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The data for the horizontal measurements do not afford conclusive results. The present results confirm the value of the model to study the response to vertical intrusive forces.