Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Early orthodontic traction does not compromise root development in inversely impacted maxillary central incisors: a
Lin Yang1, Zhiqiang Dong1, Yangfan Cheng1
1Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, P. R. China.
Objectives:
To evaluate whether early orthodontic traction of inversely impacted maxillary central incisors with curved roots affects subsequent root development and labial/palatal alveolar bone support.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based study was conducted in 42 children (7-9 years) with unilateral inversely impacted maxillary central incisors at Nolla stages 6-7 who underwent early orthodontic traction after space creation with a 2 × 4 appliance. Contralateral erupted incisors served as intra-individual controls. CBCT was performed pre-operatively, immediately after traction, and 3 years later.
Results:
All 42 incisors were successfully tractioned and aligned into the dental arch. Straight-line root length of tractioned incisors remained shorter than that of contralateral controls at all time points (all p < 0.001) but increased significantly from baseline to post-traction and to 3-year follow-up (all p < 0.001). Curved root length was initially shorter in the affected teeth (p < 0.001) but did not differ from controls at 3 years (p = 0.466). Labial alveolar bone resorption was greater immediately after traction (p < 0.001), yet no significant difference was observed at 3 years (p = 0.070). Palatal bone levels did not differ between groups at either time point (both p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Early traction of inversely impacted maxillary central incisors with curved roots does not impair root development or long-term labial or palatal alveolar bone support.
Clinical Relevance:
Early orthodontic traction of inversely impacted maxillary central incisors can facilitate timely eruption and esthetic rehabilitation without compromising root maturation or long-term periodontal support.
