Rapid canine retraction and orthodontic treatment with dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis

Purpose: Duration of treatment is one of the things orthodontic patients complain about most. To shorten treatment time, a new technique of rapid canine retraction through distraction osteogenesis was introduced. The effects of dentoalveolar distraction on the dentofacial structures are presented in this article. Material: The study sample consisted of 20 maxillary canines in 10 growing or adult subjects (mean age, 16.53 years; range, 13.08-25.67 years). First premolars were extracted, the dentoalveolar distraction surgical procedure performed, and a custom-made intraoral, rigid, tooth-borne distraction device was placed. The canines were moved rapidly into the extraction sites in 8 to 14 days, at a rate of 0.8 mm per day. Results: Full retraction of the canines was achieved in a mean time of 10.05 (±2.01) days. The anchorage teeth were able to withstand the retraction forces with minimal anchorage loss. The mean change in canine inclination was 13.15° ± 4.65°, anterior face height and mandibular plane angle increased, and overjet decreased significantly at the end of dentoalveolar distraction. No clinical and radiographic evidence of complications, such as root fracture, root resorption, ankylosis, periodontal problems, and soft tissue dehiscence, was observed. Patients had minimal to moderate discomfort after the surgery. Conclusions: The dentoalveolar distraction technique is an innovative method that reduces overall orthodontic treatment time by nearly 50%, with no unfavorable effects on surrounding structures.