Effect of alveolar micro-osteoperforations on the rate of tooth movement

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the pace of crowding resolution and pain perception between microosteoperforation (MOP) applied young adolescents and control group patients. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of moderate maxillary crowding patients (n=27). The patient group was randomly allocated to MOP or control groups using the envelope method. All patients in both groups received self-ligating brackets. On the seventh day, the test group patients received MOP application (n=14) at the intercanine region interdentally (2 perforations/interdental area). The control group received no further applications. All patients from each group received the same size leveling archwire every six weeks. Polysiloxane impressions were obtained from each patient every three weeks. Pace of crowding resolution was calculated following the decrease at Little Irregularity Index (LII) and pain perception was monitored using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: The decrease in LII in the MOP group was 1.73 fold faster compared to the control group (p=0.001). This pace difference was equalized at the 28th day mesaurement phase. Pain perception was greater in the MOP applied group on the day of application and the level of pain was low. Conclusion: MOP application has the potential of increasing crowding resolution. However, repetitions of the application might be necessary since the effect duration is short. Keywords: Micro-osteo perforation; accelerated orthodontic tooth movement; anterior crowding; orthodontic pain.