Early orthodontic traction does not compromise root development in inversely impacted maxillary central incisors: a three-year cone-beam computed tomography evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether early orthodontic traction of inversely impacted maxillary central incisors with curved roots affects subsequent root development and labial/palatal alveolar bone support.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based study was conducted in 42 children (7-9 years) with unilateral inversely impacted maxillary central incisors at Nolla stages 6-7 who underwent early orthodontic traction after space creation with a 2 × 4 appliance. Contralateral erupted incisors served as intra-individual controls. CBCT was performed pre-operatively, immediately after traction, and 3 years later.

RESULTS

All 42 incisors were successfully tractioned and aligned into the dental arch. Straight-line root length of tractioned incisors remained shorter than that of contralateral controls at all time points (all p < 0.001) but increased significantly from baseline to post-traction and to 3-year follow-up (all p < 0.001). Curved root length was initially shorter in the affected teeth (p < 0.001) but did not differ from controls at 3 years (p = 0.466). Labial alveolar bone resorption was greater immediately after traction (p < 0.001), yet no significant difference was observed at 3 years (p = 0.070). Palatal bone levels did not differ between groups at either time point (both p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early traction of inversely impacted maxillary central incisors with curved roots does not impair root development or long-term labial or palatal alveolar bone support.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early orthodontic traction of inversely impacted maxillary central incisors can facilitate timely eruption and esthetic rehabilitation without compromising root maturation or long-term periodontal support.