Effect of Corticision on The Rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats

Minimal treatment time is a primary goal for orthodontic therapy. Reducing treatment time decreases risk of caries, periodontal disease, root resorption, and increases patient satisfaction. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a result of bone resorption and apposition; factors influencing the rate at which these processes take place may affect OTM. Various attempts have been made to shorten treatment time. The regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP) has been used to modify the balance between resorption and apposition of bone through selectively injuring the cortical plate of the alveolus to accelerate tooth movement. This approach is limited due to the need of flap reflection affecting the acceptance of this treatment modality by patients due to the invasive nature of the procedure. In order to induce RAP without flap reflection a new approach called corticision has been introduced, which consists of transmucosal manipulation of the alveolar bone with a scalpel incision without flap reflection. Since any manipulation of alveolar bone can potentially increase RAP and hence accelerate bone remodeling, we hypothesize that corticision will increase the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. In order to test this hypothesis we will use an in vivo rat orthodontic tooth movement model.