A comparative evaluation of maxillary canine retraction using flap and flapless corticotomy: A clinical study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of maxillary canine retraction using flap and flapless corticotomy. Materials and Methods: A sample of 10 adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatment requiring therapeutic extraction of maxillary first premolars bilaterally were selected, compliant with the inclusion criteria. By random allocation, one site was selected for flap corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics (CFO) and opposite site for flapless CFO. After corticotomy procedure, maxillary canine retractions were done on both the sides using sliding mechanics. A paired t-test was used to determine the statistical significance of the difference in the amount of tooth movement between the flap and flapless sides. Results: There were statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) in the rates of anteroposterior movement of the canines between the flap and flapless sides at all measurement times, and the rates of canine retraction were consistently higher in the flap side than in the flapless side. Conclusions: Flap corticotomy technique is more effective as compared to that of flapless corticotomy technique. Clinical Relevance: Flap corticotomy will be more effective clinically; however, the histologic correlation in regard to the changes in both the technique would be more beneficial.