Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:17
Studying Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
Age-dependent external root resorption during tooth movement in rats.
Yijin Ren1, Jaap C Maltha, Robert S B Liem
1Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. y.ren@dmo.umcg.nl
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|May 1, 2008
Summary
Prolonged orthodontic treatment with light forces increases root resorption in both young and adult rats. Adult rats experience more severe root resorption, particularly in the middle root section.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Dental Research
- Periodontology
Background:
- Root resorption is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment.
- The influence of age on the incidence and severity of root resorption is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of age on the occurrence and location of root resorption during prolonged light force orthodontic treatment.
- To compare root resorption patterns between young and adult rats.
Main Methods:
- Orthodontic appliances were applied to young (6 weeks) and adult (9-12 months) rats.
- Contralateral sides served as controls.
- Animals were euthanized at various time points (1, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks) to assess resorption incidence and severity.
Main Results:
- Both young and adult rats showed similar root resorption incidence in the early phase (<4 weeks).
- Resorption incidence increased to similar levels in both age groups by the late phase (4-12 weeks).
- Resorption severity increased with prolonged tooth movement exclusively in adult rats, with the middle root portion exhibiting the highest incidence and severity in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Light force orthodontic treatment elevates root resorption incidence and severity, especially in the middle root.
- Adult rats demonstrate heightened root resorption incidence and severity with extended tooth movement.
