Original Research Article DOI: 10.18231/2455-6785.2017.0009 Indian Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Research, January-March 2017;3(1):48-52 48 The effects of non-extraction fixed orthodontic treatment on the vertical mandibular bone level Fatih Celebi 1,* , Nursel Arici 2 , Erman Canli 3 1 Assistant Professor, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey, 2 Associate Professor, 3 Research Assistant, Dept. of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuzmayis University, Samsun, Turkey *Corresponding Author: Email: fatihcelebi5860@gmail.com Abstract Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of non-extraction fixed orthodontic treatment on the vertical mandibular alveolar bone level. Methods: This study examined 49 patients who had been treated with a non-extraction treatment modality. The mean age of the patients at the start of treatment was 19 years and 5 months, and treatments were carried out for a mean length of 21 months. By comparison, the study’s control group consisted of 62 subjects with a mean age of 21 years and 2 months. The study was performed by using panoramic radiographs that had been taken of the study and control subjects. A reference line that passed from the top point of the right and left mental foramen was applied to the panoramic radiographs. In the area from the distal of the lower canine to the mesial of the second molar, vertical lines were constructed from the alveolar crest ridges to this reference line. Pre- and post-treatment data were compared between the intra- and inter-groups. Results: In the treatment group, statistically significant increases in the alveolar bone level were found. These increments were also significantly different from those of the control group. Conclusion: Non-extraction orthodontic treatment has capability of increasing vertical alveolar bone level when compared with the control group. Keywords: Interdental bone, Orthodontic treatment, Panoramic radiography Introduction Fixed orthodontic treatments are the most commonly used option in the treatment of dental malocclusion. When compared to removable appliances, fixed appliances have important advantages. One of the most important ones is undoubtedly the ability to generate complex tooth movements such as torquing, rotation and bodily movements. Therefore, fixed treatment modalities have been indispensable to orthodontists. In addition to these advantages, there are also various problems that may come into play if careful treatment processes have not been carried out by both patients and orthodontists. Depending on a patient’s attitude, deterioration of oral hygiene, (1) white spot lesions, (2) gingivitis, (3) increased pocket depth (4) and periodontal attachment loss (5) can easily occur. Additionally, root resorption, (6) gingival recession (7) and alveolar bone defects can be happened due to improper treatment technique or misapplication of the proper technique. The alveolar bone level has hitherto been studied by several researchers. For instance, Schei et al. investigated the association between age, mouth hygiene and bone resorption in the anterior and posterior areas of the dental arch. (8) As a measurement method, these researchers used intraoral radiographs that had been taken at angles of 35°, 45° and 55°. Many other studies have used radiographs as a method of measurement, and several of these studies have examined the effects of orthodontic treatment on interdental alveolar bone height. (9-11) These studies used periapical and bitewing radiographs to measure the vertical height of the alveolar bone. In these studies, distance from cementoenamel junction to alveolar crest ridge was measured and changes between the pre- and post treatment were evaluated. Whether there is any destruction of the alveolar bone was determined according to these changes. They have reported a decrease resulting from fixed orthodontic treatments in the vertical alveolar bone level. (9-11) In addition to intraoral radiographic methods, it was stated that panoramic radiography and tomography can also be used to determine interdental alveolar bone height during the surgical implant planning process. (12) The cost, relatively high radiation and materials such as fixed prostheses and amalgam restorations that can form artefacts in images are the main disadvantages of tomographic method. (13) Although panoramic radiography is a routine examination material in orthodontics, a method for measuring the alveolar bone level with this radiograph has yet to be developed so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether any changes at the posterior mandibular alveolar vertical bone level can occur as a result of fixed orthodontic treatment through the use of panoramic radiographs.