Does orthodontic space opening in patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors also reduce the need...

Different studies have provided inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of orthodontic tooth movement in establishing an adequate width and height of the edentulous ridge in patients with missing maxillary lateral incisors. This study aimed to compare the dimensions and density of the alveolar ridge after canine distalization for the preparation of implant placement and after no significant canine movement along the ridge.

Sixteen patients (30 sites) with congenitally missing teeth were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1: patients with erupted canines adjacent to the central incisor treated for canine distalization; group 2: patients with erupted canine almost in the correct position, treated with canine alignment. The alveolar ridge width, height, buccal undercut, and density were measured by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The data were analyzed according to sex, age, and type of orthodontic treatment. Chi-square test, t-test, and Pearson's correlation were used. The significance level was 0.05.

No significant differences were found between the two groups in alveolar ridge width at 3 mm and 6 mm apical to the alveolar crest, height, buccal undercut depth, and density in the position of the missing lateral incisors (P>0.05).

Movement of the canine along the alveolar ridge in patients with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors did not significantly affect alveolar ridge width, height, buccal undercut, and density. Therefore, the effectiveness of canine distalization treatment in reducing the need for bone grafting is questionable.