Tooth movement characteristics in relation to root resorption in young and adult rats

The aim of this study was to investigate tooth movement characteristics in relation to root resorption in young and adult rats. Two groups of 30 rats each (aged 6 wk and 9-12 months, respectively) were used. Standardized orthodontic appliances were placed to move the maxillary molars mesially. Animals were killed 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk after the beginning of the experiment and their jaws were processed for histomorphometric analysis. In parasagittal sections of 'pressure zones' the extent of root resorption was measured and expressed as percentage of total root length. Whereas a negative correlation was found between the velocity of tooth movement and the extent of root resorption, a positive correlation was noted between the amount/duration of tooth movement and root resorption, but only in adult rats. The duration of tooth movement showed the highest correlation coefficient and the smallest 95% confidence interval. In younger animals, correlations were weak, and other factors are likely to be involved in the individual susceptibility to root resorption.