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.