Redefining orthodontic space closure: sequential repetitive loading of the periodontal ligament--a clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the rate of tooth movement, anchorage loss, root resorption, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as a marker for bone remodeling during orthodontic space closure using two different mechanisms.


METHODS
Space closure was completed in 20 patients with extraction of all 4 premolars. Lateral cephalograms and radio-visiographs taken before (T1) and after (T2) space closure were assessed for anchorage loss and root resorption. Alkaline phosphatase levels were measured in 10 patients, which were divided into two groups of five each. Spaces were closed with a screw device in the first group and with active tie-backs in the second. Gingival crevicular fluid samples, collected at intervals, were assayed for alkaline phosphatase spectrophotometrically in each patient.


RESULTS
The mean rate of tooth movement was 1.32 ± 0.22 mm/month. The mean amount of anchorage loss in the maxilla and mandible was 1.23 ± 0.60 mm and 1.08 ± 0.65 mm, respectively. Sixty (25%) roots showed no root resorption, while 180 (75%) roots displayed mild to moderate blunting of their apices. Gingival crevicular fluid-alkaline phosphatase level increased significantly from day 7 to day 28 in both groups, but significantly more in the screw retraction group (P<.05).


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to infer that space closure occurs more rapidly with sequential repetitive loading of the periodontal ligament than with conventional active tie-backs. This observation is in concurrence with a significant increase in the gingival crevicular fluid-alkaline phosphatase level.
Kalha
Anmol S
AS
Department of Orthodontics, Center for Evidence Based Dentistry, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Kachiwala
Viral Ashok
VA
Govardhan
Singatagere Nagaraj
SN
McLaughlin
Richard P
RP
Khurshaid
Syed Zameer
SZ
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D052280:Orthodontic Anchorage Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D019516:Orthodontic Space Closure / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000379:methods; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000209:etiology; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013997:Time Factors; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000473:pathology; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase