Rapid orthodontic tooth movement into newly distracted bone after mandibular distraction osteogenesis in a canine model

Orthodontic tooth movement through recently distracted fibrous bone tissue has not been investigated previously. We hypothesized that a tooth can be moved into the fibrous new bone created by the distraction process at a rapid rate. Four mature beagle dogs were used in this study. An edentulous space was created in 2 weeks by using a bone-borne intraoral distraction device on each side of the mandibular body between the third and fourth premolars. Calibrated elastic threads with 50 g of orthodontic force were applied to move the fourth premolar into the edentulous space for 5 weeks. On one side, the tooth was moved simultaneously with distraction; and on the opposite side, it was initiated immediately after the cessation of distraction. The fourth premolars were moved 1.2 mm per week. The results indicated that the best time to initiate tooth movement was immediately after the end of distraction. With this approach, most of the periodontal support was preserved after orthodontic tooth movement. In contrast, moderate to severe alveolar bone loss was noted in the fourth premolars moved simultaneously with distraction. This is one of the first experimental studies to demonstrate successful rapid orthodontic tooth movement into an edentulous space newly created by distraction osteogenesis. Clinical implications of these results may be applied to relieve severe dental crowding and to correct sagittal or transverse dental arch discrepancies.