Long-term evaluation of root resorption occurring during orthodontic treatment.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term status of teeth that had undergone root resorption during active orthodontic treatment. A total of 100 patients who exhibited root resorption during appliance therapy were recalled at a mean period of 14.1 years (SD 0.4) after treatment. At those examinations full-mouth sets of periapical radiographs were taken and tooth mobility evaluated. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and long-term periapical radiographs were examined and compared for changes in root length and contour with time. At each stage scores were given on a scale from 0 to 4, depending on the degree of resorption. The maxillary incisors were affected more frequently and to a greater degree than the rest of the teeth during active treatment. The long-term evaluation showed no apparent changes after appliance removal except remodeling of rough and sharp edges. Hypermobility was observed in only two instances.