A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study of Maxillary Central Incisor Root Resorption After Levelling and Alignment in Class II Malocclusion Cases

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research is to assess, using Cone Beam Computed Tomography, the resorption of the maxillary central incisor root following levelling and alignment during fixed orthodontic treatment. METHOD: The study included CBCT records of 20 patients for evaluation of resorption of root in angle’s class II div I & div II cases for maxillary central incisors, 11 and 21. RESULTS: Pre and post group values showed a statistically non-significant difference (p>0.05), with higher values generally for 11 in both pre and post groups, albeit the difference is almost not statistically significant statistically significant difference (p<0.01) was seen in the values between the time intervals for the Wilcoxon signed rank test, with higher values at pre and post for 11. However Greater variation is observed with respect to 21 in comparison to 11 on comparing pre and post levelling and alignment, CBCT images and on comparison of statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: There are various constraints with using traditional two dimensional (2D) as they underestimate resorption of root. Due to inaccurate projection and magnification, these estimate the amount of root resorption incorrectly. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images, making it possible to precisely examine and quantify root resorption. Smaller magnification and projection errors are advantages of the 3D CBCT technology over measurements based on conventional 2D radiography images. Because of its high spatial resolution, CBCT pictures have greater sensitivity and accuracy than peri-apical and panoramic films, making them a trustworthy and efficient method for assessing the external resorption of roots. In present study, although non-significant but a minor resorption of root was observed with respect to both 11 and 21 with 21 showing a comparatively higher variation in values between pre and post CBCT images. There was a statistically non-significant variation seen for values between the pre and post for both 11 and 21 for all variables.