External apical root resorption and vectors of orthodontic tooth movement

External apical root resorption is nearly ubiquitous in people treated orthodontically. This study predicted the extent of external apical root resorption by the vector of the incisor movement.

Cone-beam computed tomography scans of 93 white American adolescents (45 boys, 48 girls) with a Class I malocclusion who received comprehensive orthodontics were analyzed. Half were treated with 4 first-premolar extractions, and the others were treated without extractions. An x, y, z coordinate system was registered on the maxillae, superimposing on foramina, to quantify vectors of maxillary incisor movements. Multiple linear regression identified significant predictors of resorption for each incisor.

Strongly predictive models (R² = 77%-86%) were obtained. All directions of incisor movement tested (anteroposterior, mediolateral, craniocaudal, torquing) increased the risk of resorption in a dose-response fashion. Intrusion was most damaging. The patient's sex, age, and duration of treatment were not predictive.

Root resorption is a very frequent consequence of tooth movement, especially intrusion and torquing, though no direction is harmless, and most corrections occur in combination. Incisor apical resorption was significantly greater in the extraction sample (ca 0.5 mm).