Root Resorption during Orthodontic Treatment - A Review on Significant Factors and Treatment Effects

Localized resorption is a continuous remodeling process occurs in response to complex multifactorial etiology agents such as age, gender, previous history of trauma, Para - functional habits, malocclusion, and mechanical factors during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontically induced external apical root resorption is often reversible and repair occurs immediately after the removal of orthodontic force without causing any serious destruction to the periapical tissues. However severe resorption associated with loss of teeth was also observed in several literature studies. Consequently understanding the relationship between orthodontic treatment and frequency of root resorption becomes essential in order to minimize the deleterious effects. Thus, the present literature review was aimed to discuss the role of orthodontic treatment in the prevalence of root resorption with emphasis on various influencing orthodontic factors along with diagnosis and resorption repair. Based on the literature studies and present observations it can be illustrated that heavy and intrusive forces over a long period of time specifically on the maxillary anterior and premolars have shown rapid destructive effects on the tooth. Hence several risk factors such as orthodontic tooth movement, nature, magnitude and duration of the force applied and treatment technique should be properly assessed using appropriate radiographic methods and intervention must be planned to ensure longevity of teeth.