Root surface changes during the initial leveling and alignment phase in orthodontics: a scanning electron microscopic study

Choi, Jung Yoon; Chung, Kyu Rhim

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the root resorption and repair pattern of human teeth according to the force magnitude, direction and duration during the initial leveling and alignment phase. 40gms to 500gms of force applied to the 37 experimental teeth with duration of 3 weeks to 7 months. Then, the experimental teeth were extracted. 13 control teeth were extracted without treatment. The results are as follows: 1. 59.5% of 37 teeth exhibited root resorption. The initial resorption site was visible at the apex within 3 weeks with 100 gins samples, and the initial repair site was visible at the apex within 3 months with 400 gms samples. 2. Number of resorbed teeth increased with the duration of the force. 3. The depth of the resorption increased with the magnitude of the,force. 4. The areas of resorbed root corresponded with the loading pattern. 5. The areas of resorbed root were highly correlated with the magnitude of the force. The result of this study suggest that root resorption could occur during the initial leveling and alignment phase. These initial injuries are all small and insignificant. It is the extensive type of apical root resorption that must be regarded as deleterious to the function and stability of the tooth moved. During the initial leveling and alignment phase lighter force of the interrupted type and short treatment period would be favorable with regard to avoidance of root resorption and repair of resorbed root surface.