Comparative evaluation of dento-alveolar distraction and periodontal distraction assisted rapid retraction of the maxillary canine: a pilot study

Distraction osteogenesis is a biological process of new bone formation between the surfaces of the bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction. A recent innovative use of distraction osteogenesis in orthodontic tooth movement is to move individual tooth segments rapidly thus reducing orthodontic treatment time. Six patients, comprising two groups, were compared using two different surgical techniques: dento-alveolar distraction and periodontal distraction to bring about rapid canine retraction using an indigenously designed intra-oral distractor. The aim was to assess and evaluate the best approach to reduce the overall orthodontic treatment time by means of distraction osteogenesis. The patients were assessed at regular intervals with intra-oral periapical radiographs and lateral cephalograms for gauging the time required for retraction, canine tipping, anchorage loss and external root resorption. Dento-alveolar distraction was superior to periodontal distraction in all areas of assessment.