Comparison of conventional orthodontic method with corticotomy and piezocision during rapid canine retraction

The effect of corticotomy and piezocision to move canines back into position using a split-mouth approach is of interest. Hence, 18 patients were included with their upper first premolars extracted and corticotomy was performed on one side of the upper jaw and piezocision on the other side, with the opposite sides serving as controls. The average movement of the canines was significantly greater in the areas where corticotomy (2.14 ± 0.65 mm) and piezocision (2.20 ± 0.54 mm) was used compared to the control sides (p < 0.05) and pain scores were higher for the corticotomy group at the 24-hour mark (p = 0.001), while there were no significant changes in the inclination of the canines (p>0.05) by the end of the 12 weeks. Piezocision resulted in less post-operative discomfort even through both methods successfully sped up the movement of canines.