Recent articles: orthodontics

In efforts to decrease the length of time to complete orthodontic treatment, orthodontists may perform corticotomies, which have been shown to nearly double the rate of tooth movement. While traditional corticotomies have minimal long-term side effects, slight interdental bone loss can occur.

This study evaluated the effects of bone-awl induced damage to bone as a result of tooth movement. Researchers found that the effects of flapless, bone-awl induced damage were limited to cortical bone and that extensive injuries to the cortical bone surrounding a tooth do not accelerate tooth movement.

Citation: Swaap A, Campbell P, Spears R, Buschang P. Flapless cortical bone damage has no effect on medullary bone mesial to teeth being moved. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2015 May; 147(5): 547-558.