[Effectiveness of selective alveolar decortication in accelerating orthodontic treatment: a systematic review].

INTRODUCTION

The number of scientific publications on accelerating orthodontic treatment, and especially surgical alveolar corticotomies techniques, has grown exponentially over the years. The objective of this systematic literature review was to assess the effectiveness of these corticotomies basing on human studies.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The review was conducted from Medline and Web of Science Core Collection to identify prospective controlled clinical trials with duration of orthodontic treatment or the tooth movement rate for primary endpoint.

RESULTS

Eleven studies respected all inclusion criteria. Six investigated the duration of treatment and found shorter values in experimental group than in control group, with a gain of 8 to 34 weeks. Five investigated the tooth movement rate and found 2.3 times higher values on average during the first month in experimental groups, 1.9 times during the second and third months, and 1.3 times during the fourth month. The technique also seemed to decrease the risk of root resorption and improve molar anchorage. Moreover, it exhibited good periodontal tolerance.

CONCLUSION

Current literature highlights the effectiveness of surgical decortications during the first three to four months after surgery. Longer prospective studies are needed to assess their long term effects.