Micro-osteoperforations- assisted upper incisors retraction

Upper incisors retraction not associated with any clinical intervention to accelerate tooth movement

All micro-osteoperforations were performed only one time in the experimental group on the same day of the installation of the upper incisors' retraction mechanics. Perforations were performed with an individualized surgical guide and a 1.6 mm diameter stainless steel surgical drill perpendicular to the alveolar bone, 3 mm deep on the buccal surface, and 5 mm, on the palate. The depth of the perforations was controlled and standardized by a cursor developed and patented by the research group. Two micro-osteoperforations were aligned vertically distally from each upper incisor. Due to the proximity of the roots in the cervical third, only the most apical perforation was performed between the two central incisors. The first perforation was performed 6 mm away from the gingival margin, and the second, 5 mm from the first, in the vertical direction.

The anteroposterior displacement of the upper incisors was assessed on superimposed digital models through the distance of points on the incisal edge and palatal cervical margin of these teeth to a coronal reference plan created on the initial CBCT scan.

The space closure was assessed by the distance between the most menial point of the medial surface of the canine to the most distal point of the distal surface of the lateral incisor.

The first molars anchorage loss was assessed on superimposed digital models through the distance of a point on the mesiobuccal cuspid to a coronal reference plan created on the initial CBCT scan.