Alveolar bone defects influence rate of tooth movement

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Periodontology
• Dental Imaging

Background:

• Alveolar bone defects, such as fenestrations and dehiscences, can complicate orthodontic treatment.
• Understanding their impact on tooth movement is crucial for effective treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of alveolar bone defects on the rate of maxillary canine retraction during orthodontic treatment.

Main Methods:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess buccal alveolar bone in 52 maxillary canines from 26 patients.
• Canines were categorized into control (no defect), fenestration, and quasi-defect groups.
• Distal displacement was achieved using nickel-titanium springs over 16 weeks, with tooth movement evaluated via cephalograms and 3D models.

Main Results:

• Tooth movement rate was significantly reduced in the fenestration (0.87 mm/mo) and quasi-defect (0.62 mm/mo) groups compared to the control group (1.17 mm/mo).
• Eighty-five percent of subjects showed asymmetric tooth movement, often correlating with unilateral bone defects.

Conclusions:

• Alveolar bone defects substantially impact the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.
• Consideration of alveolar bone defects is essential for accurate orthodontic treatment planning and investigations.