Comparison of rate of tooth movement and pain perception during accelerated tooth movement associated with conventional fixed appliances with micro-osteoperforations - a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of micro-osteoperforation (MOP) on rate of orthodontic tooth movement and pain perception with fixed appliances.

DESIGN: 2 arm parallel randomized controlled trial with an allocation ratio of 1:1.

SETTING: The outpatient department of a dental college.

PARTICIPANTS: 105 patients were screened, out of which 60 met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate; consisting of 33 females and 27 males requiring en-masse retraction following first premolar extractions.

METHODS: The experimental group consisted of patients bonded with a fixed appliance (Gemini 3M) who received MOP distal to canines throughout the period of retraction every 28 days. These were compared with a control group treated with identical brackets without MOP and were assessed for rate of tooth movement (canine retraction) and pain perception using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 10 mm.

RESULTS: Prior to commencement, all baseline parameters were matched between the two groups (p>0.05). A statistically significant increase in rate of tooth movement in the MOP group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: MOP appears to enhance the rate of tooth movement with no differences in pain perception.