The anterior component of occlusal force revisited: direct measurement and theoretical considerations.

BACKGROUND: The anterior component of occlusal force (ACF), considered to result from the mesial inclination of teeth relative to the occlusal plane, has been estimated by indirectly measuring contact point tightness (CPT) through interproximal insertion of metal strips. ACF has been observed concurrently with a posterior component, whose theoretical origin is difficult to explain. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate ACF by measuring CPT directly, and integrate current data to propose a theoretical basis for ACF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 14 females (age: 22.3±2.8) and 16 males (age: 20.8±2.5). Our device consisted of two force sensors: one for measuring maximum bite force (MBF) (overall thickness: 4mm), and one for measuring CPT directly (0.2mm thick), inserted between the lower first molar and second premolar. ACF was computed as the difference in CPT between the biting (at 75 per cent of MBF) and non-biting conditions. RESULTS: Averages of MBF, CPT, and ACF were 666.67 [standard deviation (SD): 36.06], 6.74 (SD: 1.17), and 20.59 (SD: 4.60) N, respectively. ACF, CPT, and MBF were higher in males by approximately 28, 18 and 7 per cent, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between ACF and MBF (R (2): 0.64). CPT was also significantly correlated to MBF (R (2): 0.40). Biomechanical analysis indicates that previously offered explanations do not unriddle the concurrent increase of CPT at anterior and posterior contact points. CONCLUSIONS: ACF was related to bite force by a logarithmic model. We speculate that CPT increases during biting through a combination of mesial tipping of teeth and mandibular bending.

Root resorption after leveling with super-elastic and conventional steel arch wires: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to compare root resorption after the leveling phase of treatment, performed by either super-elastic or conventional multi-stranded stainless steel arch wires. METHODS: From a total of 156 future orthodontic patients in a private clinic, 82 were included in the study after excluding those who earlier had orthodontic or endodontic treatment or signs of resorption. Patients were equally arbitrary allocated into two groups, where leveling was performed either with super-elastic heat-activated or conventional multi-stranded stainless steel arch wires. Root length loss was calculated using pre-treatment and post-leveling periapical radiographs. RESULTS: The use of super-elastic arch wires did not significantly increase the severity of root resorption, except for tooth 31, while it reduced leveling time compared to conventional stainless steel wires. Crossbite of maxillary lateral incisors seemed to be a risk factor for resorption. CONCLUSION: Incisor root resorption after leveling did not differ significantly between patients treated with super-elastic and conventional stainless steel arch wires, except for a mandibular incisor.

A comparison of apical root resorption after orthodontic treatment with surgical exposure and traction of maxillary impacted canines versus that without impactions.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Orthodontic management of maxillary canine impaction (MCI), including forced eruption, may result in significant root resorption; however, the association between MCI and orthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR) is not yet sufficiently established. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to comparatively evaluate the severity of OIRR of maxillary incisors in orthodontically treated patients with MCI. Additionally, impaction characteristics were associated with OIRR severity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 48 patients undergoing fixed-appliance treatment-24 with unilateral/bilateral MCI and 24 matched controls without impaction. OIRR was calculated using pre- and post-operative panoramic tomograms. The orientation of eruption path, height, sector location, and follicle/tooth ratio of the impacted canine were also recorded. Mann-Whitney U-test and univariate and multivariate linear mixed models were used to test for the associations of interest. RESULTS: Maxillary central left incisor underwent more OIRR in the impaction group (mean difference = 0.58mm, P = 0.04). Overall, the impaction group had 0.38mm more OIRR compared to the control (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.03, 0.74; P = 0.04). However, multivariate analysis demonstrated no difference in the amount of OIRR between impaction and non-impaction groups overall. A positive association between OIRR and initial root length was observed (95% CI: 0.08, 0.27; P < 0.001). The severity of canine impaction was not found to be a significant predictor of OIRR. LIMITATIONS: This study was a retrospective study and used panoramic tomograms for OIRR measurements. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that MCI is a weak OIRR predictor. Interpretation of the results needs caution due to the observational nature of the present study.

Maxillary canine impaction in orthodontic patients with and without agenesis: a cross-sectional radiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess potential associations between maxillary canine impaction (MCI) and agenesis status as well as between MCI and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 182 orthodontic patients with agenesis (excluding the third molars) and 630 orthodontic patients without agenesis were examined. Diagnosis of MCI was based on pretreatment panoramic radiographs. Maxillary canines that had not erupted as a result of physical barrier or deflection in the eruption path at the dental age of at least 12 years were considered impacted. Logistic regression analysis was used to test for the associations of interest. RESULTS: MCI was detected in 5.6% (n = 35) of the nonagenesis group (28 female and 7 male participants) and in 18.1% (n = 33) of the agenesis group (20 female and 13 male participants). Bilateral impaction was detected in 12 patients (34.3%) of the nonagenesis group and in 11 patients (33.3%) of the agenesis group. There was evidence that maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (odds ratio = 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-10.5, P < .001) and second premolar agenesis (odds ratio = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.6, P = .042) were significant MCI predictors after adjusting for gender. The odds of MCI were 69% higher in female versus male subjects after adjusting for agenesis status (95% CI 0.97-2.92, P = .063). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that there is evidence that agenesis status is a strong predictor of MCI, whereas gender is a weak predictor of MCI. Caution should be exercised in interpreting the results because of the observational nature of the present study.

Geometric morphometric 3D shape analysis and covariation of human mandibular and maxillary first molars.

Dental casts of 160 Greek subjects (80 males, 80 females) were scanned by a structured-light scanner. The upper and lower right first molar occlusal surface 3D meshes were processed using geometric morphometric methods. A total of 265 and 274 curve and surface sliding semilandmarks were placed on the upper and lower molar surfaces, respectively. Principal component analysis and partial least square analysis were performed to assess shape parameters. Molars tended to vary between an elongated and a more square form. The first two principal components (PCs), comprising almost 1/3 of molar shape variation, were related to mesiodistal-buccolingual ratios and relative cusp position. Distal cusps displayed the greatest shape variability. Molars of males were larger than those of females (2.8 and 3.2% for upper and lower molars respectively), but no shape dimorphism was observed. Upper and lower molar sizes were significantly correlated (r(2) = 0.689). Allometry was observed for both teeth. Larger lower molars were associated with shorter cusps, expansion of the distal cusp, and constriction of the mesial cusps (predicted variance 3.25%). Upper molars displayed weaker allometry (predicted variance 1.59%). Upper and lower molar shape covariation proved significant (RV = 17.26%, P < 0.0001). The main parameter of molar covariation in partial least square axis 1, contributing to 30% of total covariation, was cusp height, in contrast to the primary variability traits exhibited by PC1 and PC2. The aim of this study was to evaluate shape variation and covariation, including allometry and sexual dimorphism, of maxillary and mandibular first permanent molar occlusal surfaces.

Apical root resorption of incisors after orthodontic treatment of impacted maxillary canines: a radiographic study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate impacted maxillary canines as risk factor for orthodontic apical root resorption. METHODS: The sample comprised 66 patients treated with fixed appliances. Thirty-two patients with a unilateral impacted maxillary canine, which was distanced from the roots of the incisors at a preliminary phase of treatment before bonding, formed the impaction group, and 34 patients without impactions served as the controls. Root shortening was calculated by using pretreatment and posttreatment intraoral radiographs. Inclination of the eruption path of the impacted canine relative to the midline, axis of the lateral incisor, and nasal line, root development, and the medial and vertical positions of the impacted tooth were recorded on orthopantomograms and lateral cephalometric films. The follicle/tooth ratio was evaluated by using periapical radiographs. RESULTS: No significant difference in apical resorption of the maxillary incisors was detected between the impaction and control groups, or between the incisors of the impacted and contralateral sides in the same subject. Likewise, no difference in the severity of root resorption was found between the incisors of impacted side alone and the incisors of the control group. Mesial and vertical inclinations of the impacted canines were negatively related to a lateral incisor's root resorption. No correlations were found between resorption and medial or vertical position of the crown of the canine. The follicle/tooth ratio was significantly related to the mesial inclination of the impacted canine, but not to root resorption. CONCLUSIONS: An impacted maxillary canine, after being distanced from the incisor roots, does not seem to be a risk factor for apical root resorption during orthodontic treatment.

Is mild dental invagination a risk factor for apical root resorption in orthodontic patients?

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess if dental invagination is a risk factor for root resorption during orthodontic treatment. The sample consisted of 91 patients (32 males, 59 females) with a mean age of 13.1 years (range 9.3-32.1 years) with complete orthodontic records, including periapical radiographs of the maxillary incisors before and after treatment. Forty-nine patients had at least one maxillary incisor invaginated, whilst the remaining 42 patients were free of dental invaginations. Variables recorded for each patient included gender, age, Angle classification, extraction or non-extraction therapy, ANB angle, overjet, overbite, trauma, habits, agenesis, tooth exfoliation, treatment duration, Class II elastics, body-build, general factors, impacted canines, and root form deviation. Crown and root length of the maxillary incisors were measured on pre- and post-treatment long cone periapical radiographs corrected for image distortion. The percentage of root shortening and root length loss in millimetres was then calculated. Most of the invaginated teeth were minor type 1. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the severity of apical root resorption between invaginated and non-invaginated incisors in patients without dental invaginations, nor was the extent of dental invagination related to the severity of apical root resorption. However, invaginated teeth had malformed roots more often than non-invaginated teeth. Dental invagination, and particularly type 1, cannot be considered a risk factor for apical root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

Orthodontically induced root and alveolar bone resorption: inhibitory effect of systemic doxycycline administration in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of systemic administration of low-dose doxycycline (DC) on orthodontic root resorption. The effect on alveolar bone, the cell population involved, and the amount of tooth movement were also evaluated.Fifty-six 40-50-day-old male Wistar rats were used. Six animals served as untreated controls. Six animals were only administered DC for 7 days, by means of a mini-osmotic pump implanted subcutaneously. In 44 animals the maxillary first molar was mesialized by a fixed orthodontic appliance exerting 50 g force upon insertion. In 28 of these animals DC was administered at the time of appliance insertion and throughout the experiment. The animals were sacrificed 7, 10 or 14 days after force application and block sections processed for analysis. An area including the mesial aspect of the distopalatal root and the adjacent inter-radicular alveolar bone was histomorphometrically evaluated. The root resorption area, absolute alveolar bone area, distance between first and second molars, number of odontoclasts, osteoclasts, mononuclear cells on the root, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells on the root, bone, and in the periodontal ligament (PDL) were compared between DC-treated and non-DC-treated animals. The results revealed a significant reduction in root resorption, the number of odontoclasts, osteoclasts, mononuclear cells on the root surface, and TRAP-positive cells on the root and bone for the DC-administered group. The absolute alveolar bone area was greater, whereas the distance between the first and second molars did not differ between groups. In conclusion, systemic administration of low-dose DC in rats may have an inhibitory effect on orthodontically induced resorptive activity.

Early root alterations after orthodontic force application studied by light and scanning electron microscopy.

The purpose of the study was to characterize root surface alterations in orthodontically moved teeth. Thirty-six 40-50-day-old male Wistar rats were used. The maxillary right first molar was mesialized by means of a fixed appliance, exerting 50 g of force upon insertion. One, 2 and 4 days after force application the animals were sacrificed (nine animals per observation period) and block sections processed for analysis. Nine animals served as untreated controls. In total, 20 specimens were prepared for examination of the mesial aspect of the mesiobuccal root by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The remaining specimens were processed for light microscopy. Three morphologically distinct types of resorption defect were observed: isolated small lacunae, wide shallow resorption bays, and deep resorption lacunae. The area occupied by each resorption type varied significantly (P < 0.05) with time. Isolated small lacunae were the earliest to be observed, sometimes found in continuity with wide shallow resorption bays. Mononucleated macrophage-like cells were associated with both resorption types. Deeper lacunae extending into the dentine were found at the 4 day observation period. These always occurred within shallow resorption bays and appeared to be created by multinucleated cells. From the sequence of the different root surface defects and associated cell types observed during the development of orthodontically induced root resorption, it may be concluded that different cell types, with different resorptive potential but functionally interrelated, are involved in the successive phases of the process, and that each cell type leaves a characteristic resorption pattern on the root surface.

Changes in root length during orthodontic treatment: advantages for immature teeth.

The purpose of the study was to investigate root lengthening during orthodontic treatment in relation to the age of the patient, the developmental stage of the root, and the anticipated growth. Specifically, the potential benefit of treating young teeth was addressed. The sample consisted of 80 patients with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusions, treated with extraction of at least two maxillary first premolars, and edgewise technique with 0.018-inch slot brackets. Additionally, a cross-sectional control group of 66 untreated individuals matched to gender, and pre- and post-treatment age of the experimental group was included. Crown and root lengths of the maxillary incisors were measured on peri-apical radiographs before and after treatment, and corrected for image distortion. The stage of root development before treatment was recorded. Root elongation during treatment was found for 50 out of the 280 examined teeth. Age at treatment start was significantly higher among the patients showing root shortening of the lateral incisors during treatment than among those showing root elongation (P < 0.05). The stage of root development was significantly related to the direction of root length change, i.e. shortening or elongation. Roots elongated during treatment did not differ in length from untreated teeth of similarly aged individuals. There was no significant difference in the extent of root lengthening between the roots elongated during treatment and the normal root lengthening in age-matched untreated individuals. Post-treatment root length was significantly related to pre-treatment age. Roots that were incompletely developed before treatment reached a significantly greater length than those that were fully developed at the start of treatment. The results of this study show a definite advantage for younger teeth with regard to post-treatment root length. This finding may influence treatment planning strategy.