Orthodontically induced root resorption correlated with morphological characteristics

Orthodontically induced root resorption is an irreversible process that can have medical, ethical and legal implications. Aim: The objective of this research was to identify morphological risk factors, in order to prevent it. Material and Methods: We realized a retrospective study on 50 patients and made correlation between the prevalence and gravity of radiological identified root resorption and multiple biological and anatomical features. Results and Conclusions: We found that, when removable orthodontic appliances were used, there were not found root resorption (0%), and in cases in which fixed appliances were used, the root resorption was found, and it generally presented a high prevalence (96%) and low severity. Prevalence of root resorption is influenced by the sex and age of the patients (is greater for males than for females and higher in older patients). Topographically, differences were found in prevalence of root resorption (79.33% in mandibullary frontal teeth and 74% in the maxillary ones). The highest prevalence of root resorption was found in the lower central incisor (86%). Prevalence of root resorption is higher when there are alterations of the normal anatomy (facial hypo- or hyperdivergence, Angle class II and III malocclusion, angulated roots). Some anatomical aspects may present a fact of prevision of the appearance of root resorption within the orthodontic treatment.