Rapid canine distalization using distraction of the periodontal ligament: a preliminary clinical validation of the original technique.

The process of rapid canine distalization through the distraction of the periodontal ligament is similar to the process in the midpalatal suture during rapid palatal expansion. Rapid canine distalization can be achieved in three weeks with this technique. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of rapid canine distalization on dentoalveolar tissues during the rapid distalization of canine teeth with semirigid, individual tooth-borne distractors. The study was carried out on 43 canine teeth in 18 (seven male and 11 female) patients who required first premolar extractions. The mean age of the patients was 16.7 years. The second premolars and first molars were used as anchor units. Orthodontic models, cephalometric and panoramic radiographs, and standard photographs of all the patients were taken before treatment and after the consolidation period. Periapical radiographies of the canines and anchor units were obtained once a week during the distalization period. The distractors were activated 0.25 mm three times a day, and the canines were distalized efficiently an average of three weeks. The within-group differences were evaluated with the Wilcoxon test. The maxillary canines were distalized an average of 5.76 mm with 11.47 degrees distal tipping. The maxillary first molars moved mesially 0.56 mm and extruded 0.64 mm. The maxillary incisors showed 1.44 degrees of palatal tipping. The mean distal movement of the mandibular canines was 3.5 mm with 7.16 degrees distal tipping. Anchorage loss was not observed in the mandibular first molars.