The effectiveness of surgical adjunctive procedures in the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Objective: To identify and evaluate the body of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of surgical adjunctive procedures (SAPs) in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Data sources: Unrestricted search of three electronic databases and manual search up to 12 June 2020 were undertaken. Data selection: All systematic reviews of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials that investigate the effectiveness of the SAPs in accelerating OTM were included. Data extraction: Study selection and data extraction were undertaken independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. A random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was generated for comparable outcomes. Two reviewers assessed the quality of the included studies using AMSTAR2 and GRADE. Results: Fourteen systematic reviews were included; however, four systematic reviews were assessed quantitatively. Meta-analysis showed that mean difference (MD) of canine retraction rate, for the first month after SAPs, was mild (MD = 0.65 mm/month). Compared to control, micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) statistically but temporally accelerate lower canine retraction and en masse retraction by 0.25 mm/month and 0.31 mm/month, respectively. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) in terms of molar anchorage loss (MAL) between control and MOP groups. Piezocision non-significantly shortens the duration of en masse retraction (4.30 months, P>0.05), but significantly shortens incisors retraction (101.64 days, P<0.001). MAL is mild but significantly less in the piezocision group compared to the control group (MD = 0.53 mm, P=0.03). Low-level evidence showed that SAPs have no significant effect on root resorption or periodontal health; however, piezocision is associated with transient acute inflammation and noticeable scars. Conclusion: Low-level evidence concludes that SAPs accelerate OTMs and reduce treatment duration, but the acceleration is minor and transient. The effect on anchorage loss is variable and technique related. Side effects of SAPs are transient, but some might be aesthetically noticeable. A cost-benefit analysis of SAPs should be considered while making the treatment decision.