OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of tooth movement in experimental group with miniscrew-assisted micro-osteoperforations and compare with control group on contralateral side in a split mouth prospective study.
METHODS: In a split-mouth design, 15 patients requiring maxillary first premolars extraction as part of orthodontic treatment were selected. Informed consent was obtained from patients. Miniscrew-assisted micro-osteoperforations were carried out in experimental group. Canines in maxillary arch were retracted individually on 0.019” * 0.025” SS wire using type I tie back from TADs in both groups. Rate of tooth movement was measured on casts made before and after three months. Anchorage loss was measured with an acrylic transfer guide at the end of three months. Patients’ pain perceptions were recorded on the day, after one week and after one month of procedure.
RESULTS: The mean canine movement in three months was 0.246 cm in experimental group and 0.166 cm in control group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. Incisal edge of the crown moved slightly more than did the cervical part of the crown in both groups. Mean anchorage loss of 0.054 cm/three months was observed on the experimental side which was statistically significant. On the day of procedure and beginning of canine retraction, the experimental group reported higher levels of discomfort.
CONCLUSIONS: Miniscrew-assisted micro-osteoperforations increased the rate of canine retraction by 1.48-fold in the experimental group. As anchorage loss was observed, this procedure can be suggested as a safe minimally invasive procedure in minimal and moderate anchorage cases.