“Effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations in accelerating maxillary canine retraction in Angle Class I malocclusion: A randomized controlled trial”

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) in accelerating maxillary canine retraction and to assess patient-reported discomfort during orthodontic treatment for Angle Class I malocclusion.

Setting

AND SAMPLE POPULATION: This single-blinded, split-mouth, randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to May 2025 at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam. Forty patients (16–25 years) requiring bilateral maxillary first premolar extractions were randomly assigned to MOPs-assisted or conventional canine retraction. MATERIAL AND

Methods

On the experimental side, three MOPs (1.5 mm × 5 mm) were performed distal to the maxillary canine using the Excellerator device under local anesthesia. NiTi closed-coil springs (150 g) with miniscrew anchorage were used for canine retraction on both sides. Distalization was quantified on digital scans at 4-week intervals, and pain was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale at 1, 3, and 7 days. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (P < 0.05).

Results

Canine distalization was significantly greater on the MOPs side (6.26 ± 0.36 mm) than on the control side (4.09 ± 0.35 mm) throughout the 16-week period (P < 0.001), representing a 1.5-fold acceleration in tooth movement. The mean distalization rate was 1.56 ± 0.08 mm/4 weeks for MOPs and 1.02 ± 0.08 mm/4 weeks for controls. Pain intensity was slightly higher on the MOPs side initially but remained mild and transient. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

MOPs are a safe, minimally invasive adjunctive technique that effectively accelerates orthodontic tooth movement and reduces treatment duration. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07155018.