Ability of piezocision to retain orthodontically moved teeth in a goat model: A split-mouth study

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effectiveness of piezocision in enhancing retention when performed after orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: Four mature goats had their second incisors removed bilaterally. For each goat, the two sides of the mandible were either treated with piezocision or served as a positive control. Using fixed orthodontic appliance, the first and third incisors on each side were approximated and then retained in place for two weeks. Relapse was measured by the amount of space developed between the approximated incisors after six weeks from the end of the retention period. The periodontal ligament of all incisors was assessed histologically with micro computed tomography and regular hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: A significantly less relapse was observed in the piezocision group than in the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Bone formation occurs in the vicinity and periphery of the periodontal ligament and thus results in the narrowing of the periodontal ligament. CONCLUSION: A protocol of post-orthodontic retention involving piezocision can be promising to enhance stability of orthodontic treatment outcome.