Influence of orthodontic treatment on root development of autotransplanted premolars

The aim of this study was to clarify whether orthodontic movement of autotransplanted premolars will affect the final root length of the transplants. A group of 29 autotransplanted premolars that had been orthodontically treated was compared with a group of 30 autotransplanted premolars that had not been orthodontically treated. Contralateral teeth in both groups served as controls. The root lengths of the transplants as well as the controls were measured on the radiographs immediately after transplantation and also after orthodontic treatment and complete root formation. The results demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between the original and final root lengths of the transplants in the two samples or between the contralateral teeth. The autotransplantation of the premolars resulted in an average shortening of 1 to 2 mm compared to the contralateral control teeth. Futhermore, orthodontic movement of the transplants appeared to have a tendency to shorten the final root length.