A comparison of maxillary canine retraction into healed and recent extraction sites using cone beam computed tomography: a randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: To compare maxillary canine retraction between healed and recent extraction sites by assessing movement rate, canine dentoalveolar changes, molar rotation, and anchorage loss using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and methods: Twenty-eight patients (16-26 years old) who had bimaxillary protrusion and orthodontic treatment planned with extraction of first premolars were randomly distributed into two groups and treated using a straight wire appliance. In the recent group (RG), the upper first premolars were extracted 2 weeks before the initiation of canine retraction (after tooth alignment). In the healed group (HG), the upper first premolars were extracted before tooth alignment. Movement rate, canine dentoalveolar changes, molar rotation, and anchorage loss were assessed using CBCT.

Results: Movement rate, canine alveolar bone dimensions, canine rotation, and rotation and mesial movement of the first molar were not significantly different between groups (P > .05). Canine tipping was greater in RG (P = .001).

Conclusions: Retracting canines into recent extraction sites compared with healed sites showed greater distal tipping of the canine with no differences in movement rate, canine alveolar bone dimensions, canine rotation, molar rotation, and anchorage loss.