October 2012

Aim: To evaluate the effect of bone grafting in corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics in adults, using a further modified conventional corticotomy technique. Methods: Twenty adult orthodontic patients with moderate crowding of the lower anterior teeth were equally divided into two groups and treated with either a modified corticotomy-facilitated orthodontic tooth movement alone (Group I) or modified corticotomy-facilitated orthodontic tooth movement combined with bone grafting (Group II). Total treatment time was calculated in weeks from the time of activation of the orthodontic appliance immediately following the corticotomy procedure to the time of debracketing. Clinical periodontal parameters and standardized periapical radiographs were recorded at baseline, post-orthodontic treatment (debracketing time) and six months post-operatively. The primary radiographic variables were root length and bone density. Results: Treatment duration for patients in both groups ranged from 14-20 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in clinical parameters at each time interval. The net percentage of change that occurred to bone density from baseline to six months post-orthodontic treatment was statistically significantly different between the two groups. Group I demonstrated a net decrease in bone density of -17.59%, while Group II demonstrated a net increase in bone density of 25.85%. Group I demonstrated an average net decrease in root length of -0.056 mm ± 0.025, while Group II demonstrated an average net decrease in root length of -0.050 mm ± 0.026, which was not statistically significantly different. Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that corticotomy-facilitated orthodontic tooth movement significantly reduces the total time of treatment. In addition, the incidence of apical root resorption and periodontal problems associated with orthodontic tooth movement were reduced. The incorporation of bone graft material significantly increased the alveolar bone density in adult patients.