Effect of 3D-printing assisted micro-osteoperforations on the rate of canine retraction: a clinical investigation

Abstract

Abstract Objectives More time is often needed for adult orthodontic patients compared with juvenile counterparts due to lower tissue vitality. In some cases, the prolonged orthodontic treatment may cause a series of problems, such as enamel demineralization, dental caries, periodontitis and root resorption. Therefore, we aimed to accelerate tooth movement to avoid various adverse reactions by 3D-printing assisted micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) in difficult orthodontics cases. Methods Twenty-eight adult patients (28.3 ± 3.4 years) with slow tooth movement after extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolars were included. The scheme of 3D-printing assisted MOPs was designed to perform bone punctures in the mesial and distal sides of canines. Results The average speed of the retraction of canines was 1.02 ± 0.41 mm per month after MOPs and significantly faster than that before the MOPs, 0.34 ± 0.16 mm per month (P < 0.05). Moreover, the evaluation of side effects including root resorption, periodontal damage did not reach statistical difference and pain level was acceptable generally. Conclusion MOPs assisted by 3D-printing could significantly accelerate tooth movement while achieving greater precision, without notably increasing side effects. Trial registration ChiCTR2100044685, date of registration: 25/03/2021.

Keywords

• Micro-osteoperforations(MOPs)
• 3D-printing
• Tooth movement
• Adult orthodontics