%0 Journal Article
%T A radiographic analysis of tooth morphology following the use of a novel cyclical force device in orthodontics
%A Chung H Kau
%J Head & Face Medicine
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1746-160x-7-14
%X Subjects were actively recruited and those who received braces for the first time were invited to participate. Patients were assigned to receive a functioning device and used the devices for 20 min daily for a six month study period. CBCT images were taken of the dentition at the start of treatment and at the end of the study period.14 subjects out of a possible 17 subjects completed using the device during the study period. The mean age of the subjects was 20.3 years. Measurements of all teeth present were made from the mesial buccal roots of the first molar on one side of the dental arch to the mesial buccal roots of the first molar on the opposing side of the same arch. These measurements were recorded as linear lengths in mm. A paired t-test was used to determine if significant differences occurred for root lengths at the end of treatment compared to the start of treatment for each of the individual tooth groups. No statistical differences were noted for root length changes above 0.5 mm and 1 mm.No statistically significant findings were noted for root length change at the end of treatment compared to the start of treatment when using this novel robotic device. No significant differences were noted between roots of anterior and posterior teeth. No clinically significant changes between root lengths were noted above 0.5 mm.The clinical practice of orthodontics has been based on movement of teeth through alveolar bone using bio-mechanical methods within a safe, cellular environment. This technique involves the use of static mechanical forces to move teeth within the jawbone. The most common treatment approach is to correct malocclusion by providing these mechanical forces. This treatment has been used for approximately 100 years and involves a system of metal archwires and brackets, typically referred to as orthodontics. The basic system may be augmented with elastics, metal bands, head gear, retainers, and other ancillary devices as dictated by the specific and i
%U http://www.head-face-med.com/content/7/1/14