In-vivo effects of flapless osteopuncture-facilitated tooth movement in the maxilla and the mandible.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a minimally invasive, flapless procedure to enhance tooth movement in both jaws and to determine whether this triggers the acceleration when repeated monthly.

Material and Methods: The sample consisted of thirty-two individuals whose orthodontic treatment required canine retraction. They were divided into an experimental group and control group. Osteopunctures were performed using orthodontic mini-screws at the distal aspects of the canine teeth at the beginning and on the fourth week of distalization in the experimental group. The control group was treated with conventional mechanics. All canines were retracted. The rates of canine distalization, rotation, and tipping were measured on the first, fourth, and eighth weeks of distalization. First molar anchorage loss was also measured. Intergroup and intragroup analyses were performed.

Results: Flapless osteopuncture-facilitated tooth movement resulted in greater canine distalization and reduced molar movement in the maxilla in the experimental than in the control group during the first month of distalization. In addition, the extent of upper canine movement was significantly higher in the experimental group in the first month than in the second. No differences in canine and molar movement in the mandible were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions: OP, as applied in this study, is an effective method for increasing the rate of tooth movement in the maxilla. Repeating the procedure monthly does not appear to show a major advance of tooth movement. Key words: Accelerated tooth movement, flapless osteopuncture.