Morphological characteristics of dentitions developing excessive root resorption during orthodontic treatment

Abstract

The present study focuses on orthodontically provoked, excessive root resorption. The purpose was to identify in these cases common morphological features in radiographic diagnostic material taken before treatment. The material was submitted by 35 Danish orthodontists. The goal was to improve the future orthodontic diagnostics of the dentition in order to prevent severe root resorption during treatment. The study indicates that: (1) there is a strong connection between various dental morphological characteristics, such as invagination, length of root, and root shapes, especially taurodontism, and the tendency to root resorption during orthodontic treatment; (2) there is a connection between anomalies in the dentition, particularly ectopia and agenesis, and the tendency to root resorption during orthodontic treatment; (3) there seems to be a connection between the pattern of resorption in the primary dentition and the tendency to root resorption in the permanent dentition following orthodontic treatment; (4) girls are more susceptible to root resorption during orthodontic treatment than boys; (5) one ought to be on the lookout for connections between condylar changes, root resorptions, and anterior open bites in connection with orthodontic treatment. The observation regarding root resorption in dentitions in which invaginations and taurodontic root shapes occur has not previously been reported. Also, the findings of deviant resorption patterns in both the primary and permanent dentitions in a considerable number of patients are new observations, which ought to be incorporated into orthodontic treatment planning.