Dento-Alveolar Changes in Maxillary Incisors After En-Masse Retraction Using Two Power-Arm Heights

NCT ID: NCT07259720

Last Updated: 2025-12-02

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-11-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-11-01

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the dento-alveolar changes associated with en-masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth using two different power-arm lengths to produce two distinct levels of force application. Twenty patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group I received en-masse retraction using a 5-mm power arm, while Group II was treated using a 9-mm power arm. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to measure changes in buccal bone thickness at 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm levels before and after retraction. The purpose of the study is to assess the influence of power-arm length on force direction, bone remodeling, and the safety of anterior tooth movement.

Detailed Description

The study was conducted to assess the dento-alveolar changes that occur during the en-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth when using two different power-arm lengths. Twenty orthodontic patients who required extraction of the maxillary first premolars as part of their treatment plan were included. Patients were selected according to well-defined inclusion criteria to ensure uniformity in skeletal pattern, dental status, and oral health. Any patients with previous orthodontic treatment, periodontal problems, or systemic conditions that could influence bone metabolism were excluded.

After obtaining approval from the Research Ethics Committee, participants were randomly divided into two equal groups. In Group I, retraction was carried out using a 5-mm power arm, while Group II was treated with a 9-mm power arm incorporated into the main archwire. All patients were treated with the same fixed orthodontic system, and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were placed bilaterally to provide maximum anchorage. The archwire sequence, appointment intervals, and force application protocol were standardized for both groups to reduce variability.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken for each patient before initiating retraction and after the completion of space closure. Buccal bone thickness was measured at three levels along the root (3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the cementoenamel junction). Measurements were recorded on the right and left sides and averaged. Additional clinical parameters-including the amount of anterior tooth movement, changes in incisor inclination, and any alterations in the occlusal plane-were evaluated to understand the mechanical implications of each power-arm length.

The main focus of the study was to determine how the length of the power arm affects the direction of force, the biomechanics of retraction, and the subsequent pattern of alveolar bone remodeling. All measurements were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to compare differences between groups and between pre- and post-treatment values. The study aims to provide practical clinical guidance regarding the optimal choice of power-arm length to achieve effective, controlled anterior retraction while maintaining alveolar bone health.

Conditions

Malocclusion, Angle Class II, Division 1

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Group 1: 5 mm Power Arm

Orthodontic en-masse retraction using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with a 5 mm power arm height for force application. Maxillary incisors are retracted as a single unit following first premolar extraction.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

TAD-supported En-masse Retraction

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Orthodontic en-masse retraction of maxillary incisors using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with different power arm heights following first premolar extraction. The intervention involves controlled retraction mechanics using a 0.017×0.025 stainless steel archwire and vertical power arms to alter the moment-arm and force system.

Group 2: 9 mm Power Arm

Orthodontic en-masse retraction using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with a 9 mm power arm height for force application. Maxillary incisors are retracted as a single unit following first premolar extraction.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

TAD-supported En-masse Retraction

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Orthodontic en-masse retraction of maxillary incisors using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with different power arm heights following first premolar extraction. The intervention involves controlled retraction mechanics using a 0.017×0.025 stainless steel archwire and vertical power arms to alter the moment-arm and force system.

Interventions

TAD-supported En-masse Retraction

Orthodontic en-masse retraction of maxillary incisors using temporary anchorage devices (TADs) with different power arm heights following first premolar extraction. The intervention involves controlled retraction mechanics using a 0.017×0.025 stainless steel archwire and vertical power arms to alter the moment-arm and force system.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• 1. Aged from 18 to 25 years. 2. Patients indicated for extraction of maxillary first premolars (those with Angle's Class I bimaxillary protrusion or Angle's Class II Division I malocclusion).

3. Good oral hygiene. 4. Healthy compliant and motivated patient. 5. Full dentition in maxillary arch except wisdom teeth.

Exclusion Criteria

• 1. Previous orthodontic treatments. 2. Any systemic or bone diseases. 3. Smoking history. 4. Presence of periodontal diseases.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Faculty of Dental Medicine for Girls

OTHER_GOV

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Rania Alzany

Postgraduate Student - Orthodontics

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry - Al-Azhar University

Cairo, , Egypt

Countries

Egypt

Related Links

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35598724/

CBCT-based evaluation of en-masse retraction biomechanics.

Other Identifiers

AZH-ORTHO-RET-2025

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id