RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment is a long process that requires patient cooperation. Risks of side effects such as caries formation, periodontal problems, and root resorption increases as well as problems in patient cooperation arises with longer treatments. Several different techniques were developed that may shorten the treatment time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) performed during the alignment stage. TRIAL DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Twenty-eight subjects who had crowding in the mandibular arch were included in the study. The first group (4 boys and 10 girls, mean age = 17.21 ± 3.76 years) was treated with MOP (MOP) and the second group (8 boys and 6 girls, mean age = 15.29 ± 1.77 years) was treated without MOP (control). Cephalometric variables, periodontal parameters, Little irregularity index, alignment duration, patient satisfaction, and ease of operation were evaluated. The level of statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Alignment duration was shorter (P = 0.000) in the MOP group (105.57 ± 18.34 days) compared to control group (135.86 ± 15.12 days). Alleviating of the crowding was more in the MOP group, compared to the control group in all time points. The pain level in the MOP group in the first appointment was higher compared to control group (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the groups in cephalometric parameters. Higher increases were found for gingival index (P = 0.008) and bleeding index (P = 0.039) in the control group compared to MOP group at the end of treatment. LIMITATIONS: The study was a single-centre study. CONCLUSION: Alignment stage was shortened with MOP application. There was no difference between groups for patient satisfaction and pain level except for the first appointment. No difference was observed between the groups regarding cephalometric values. Clinically insignificant inflammation was observed in periodontal tissues for both groups. REGISTRATION: This study was registered at the Clinical Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03652454).