Biomechanical effect of selective osteotomy and corticotomy on orthodontic molar uprighting

Introduction: Uprighting mesially tipped molars is often a necessary step before implant placement. However, the orthodontic treatment can be lengthy and discourage patients from choosing implant prostheses. Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics is reported to facilitate molar movements. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of various corticotomy and osteotomy approaches on the uprighting of a mesially tipped mandibular second molar in a 3-dimensional finite element analysis model. Methods: The initial tooth displacement and periodontal ligament (PDL) strain in 9 finite element analysis models with various corticotomy and osteotomy simulations were compared under 3 intended tooth movement scenarios: distal crown tipping, mesial root movement with restraints, and mesial root movement without restraints. Results: Corticotomy or osteotomy approaches altered the tooth displacement and the PDL strain in all 3 intended molar uprighting scenarios. The 2 most extensive surgical approaches, the combined mesial and distal osteotomy with horizontal corticotomy and the circumferential corticotomy at root apex level, resulted in increased tooth movement but had a distinct impact on PDL strain. Conclusions: It was revealed that different combinations of corticotomy and osteotomy had a biomechanical impact on orthodontic molar uprighting movements. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2021;160:292-301)