Objective: To evaluate the influence of pretreatment radiographic features (α-angle, d-distance, and s-sector) on (1) the duration of active orthodontic traction and (2) the posttreatment periodontal status (pocket depth [PD] and keratinized tissue width [KT]) of impacted maxillary canines treated by a combined surgical (flap approach) and orthodontic (direct traction to the center of the ridge) treatment.
Material and Methods: A study population of 168 patients (168 canines) was evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was used.
Results: Pretreatment radiographic variables were associated significantly with the duration of orthodontic traction. Age, sex, and site of impaction did not significantly affect the duration of traction. No significant differences in PD and KT were present at the end of surgical-orthodontic treatment with respect to any of the variables considered. The analysis of PD and KT variables after orthodontic treatment revealed a healthy periodontium.
Conclusions: α-angle, d-distance, and s-sector are valid indicators for the duration of orthodontic traction. They are not prognostic indicators of final periodontal status of orthodontically-repositioned canines.
