Analysis of correlation between initial alveolar bone density and apical root resorption after 12 months of orthodontic treatment without extraction

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between initial alveolar bone density of upper central incisors (ABD-UI) and external apical root resorption (EARR) after 12 months of orthodontic movement in cases without extraction.

METHODS:

A total of 47 orthodontic patients 11 years old or older were submitted to periapical radiography of upper incisors prior to treatment (T₁) and after 12 months of treatment (T₂). ABD-UI and EARR were measured by means of densitometry.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant correlation was found between initial ABD-UI and EARR at T₂ (r = 0.149; p = 0.157).

CONCLUSION:

Based on the present findings, alveolar density assessed through periapical radiography is not predictive of root resorption after 12 months of orthodontic treatment in cases without extraction.

Root resorption; Tooth movement; Dental radiography; Bone density