Orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption with special reference to force magnitude and duration. A clinical and histological investigation in adolescents.

The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to move teeth as efficiently as possible with least damage to teeth and their supporting tissues. Root resorption may occur as an unwanted side effect and may in some instances jeopardize an otherwise successful treatment. The general aim of this series of clinical investigations was to study the association between applied force, achieved tooth movement and related root resorptions. In 144 adolescents, the maxillary first or second premolar was buccally moved with a fixed orthodontic appliance. The variables studied were duration, magnitude and type of force. Moreover, both the occurrence of orthodontically induced root resorptions and the reparative potential were investigated in histological preparations of the teeth. When a continuous force of a clinically relevant magnitude (50 cN approximately 50 g) was applied, tooth movement increased gradually over time. Root resorptions were recorded in all test teeth but 4 (93%). After 3 weeks a few teeth revealed root resorptions extending half way to the pulp or more in the apical third of the root. No association was found between root resorptions and tooth movement. Doubling the force magnitude (100 cN approximately 100 g) affected neither the tooth movement nor the severity of root resorptions. However, when the force was increased 4 times (200 cN approximately 200 g), tooth movement increased 50% but still with no significant increase in the occurrence or severity of root resorptions. Tooth movement was achieved more efficiently with a continuous force than with an interrupted type of force of the same magnitude (50 cN). Root resorptions, though, did not seem to be affected differently by the two types of forces. Reduction of all types of applied forces was considerable, about 25-30%, already within one week. Repair with secondary cementum was recorded almost 3 times more often after 8 weeks (75%) of retention than after 1 week (28%). Irrespective of magnitude and type of force, large individual variations were observed regarding tooth movements and root resorptions as well as their reparative potential. The possible clinical consequences of the results obtained are discussed with regard to cost-benefit effects, convenience to the patient and risk of complications.