Is Incisor Compensation Related to Skeletal Discrepancies in Skeletal Class III? A Retrospective Cephalometric Study.

This study investigated compensation in skeletal Class III subjects to compare various severities of abnormal jaws. A retrospective analysis of 137 skeletal Class III cephalograms (63 males and 74 females) was conducted, with cephalometric assessments determining skeletal and dental values. The results were compared with Class I cephalograms. Incisor compensation was examined by pairing normal jaws with varied abnormal jaws, classified by severity using one standard deviation (SD). Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis tests, Bonferroni tests, Spearman's correlations, and multiple linear regression. Four skeletal Class III groups were identified: OMx+PMd, RMx+OMd, OMx+OMd, and PMx+PMd (P = prognathic; O = orthognathic; R = retrognathic; Mx = maxilla; Md = mandible.). The upper central incisor (U1) showed proclination, and the lower central incisor (L1) showed retroclination across all groups except for U1 in PMx+PMd and L1 in OMx+OMd, which exhibited normal inclination. U1 exhibited limited compensation even with progressive maxillary retrognathism, while L1 showed limited compensation after one SD of mandibular prognathism. Maxilla (SNA) and jaw discrepancy (ANB) were inversely related to the U1 degree, whereas only jaw discrepancy (ANB) was positively related to the L1 degree. U1 in PMx+PMd and L1 in OMx+OMd showed no incisor compensation. U1 had limited compensation even with progressive maxillary retrognathism while L1 showed limited compensation after one SD mandibular prognathism.

Incisor and Soft Tissue Characteristics of Adult Bimaxillary Protrusion Patients among Different Skeletal Anteroposterior Classifications.

The objective of this study was to investigate the upper incisors (U1), lower incisors (L1), and soft tissue profiles of bimaxillary protrusion (BM) adult patients among skeletal Class I (BM1), II (BM2) and III (BM3). Understanding these characteristics would be useful for incisor and lip diagnostics in different skeletal classifications. Fourteen linear and twelve angular variables of the incisors and lips were evaluated in 214 lateral cephalograms (BM1 = 91, BM2 = 84, BM3 = 39). ANOVA and Bonferroni tests compared the measurements. BM1 and BM3 exhibited a greater U1 position and U1 inclination than the norms, while BM2 presented only a greater U1 position than the norms but normal U1 inclination. BM1 and BM3 had a significantly greater U1 position than BM2. BM1 and BM2 demonstrated a greater L1 position and L1 inclination than the norms, whereas BM3 displayed only a greater L1 position than the norms but normal L1 inclination. BM2 had the most anterior L1 position, whereas BM3 had the least anterior position. Only BM2 had a longer anterior dental height (ADH) than the norms, while BM1 and BM3 had a normal ADH and the significantly shortest ADH, respectively. Only BM1 had a normal upper incisor display at rest (U1R), while BM2 and BM3 displayed an increased and decreased U1R, respectively, with significant differences among the three groups. The most significantly protruded upper and lower lips were presented in BM2, but these were exhibited the least in BM3. The most significant acute nasolabial angle (NLA) was found in BM3, whereas BM2 presented the least acute NLA. A normal lip-chin-throat angle (LCTA) was observed in BM1 and BM3, while only BM2 had a greater LCTA than the norms. The most significant obtuse LCTA was found in BM2, while BM3 had the least obtuse LCTA. Therefore, both U1 and L1 in all groups presented protrusion and proclination, except for U1 in BM2, while L1 in BM3 exhibited normal inclination. The ADH and U1R were increased in BM2 but decreased in BM3. The most acute NLA was found in BM3, whereas the least acute was found in BM2. The most obtuse LCTA was in BM2, while the least was in BM3.

The Accuracy of Lateral Cephalogram for Measuring Alveolar Bone Thickness and Root Diameter on Mandibular Incisors.

Background: The objective of the study was to ascertain whether the alveolar bone and root of the mandibular central incisor measured from cephalograms can represent the same measurements of both mandibular central and lateral incisors from CBCT. Methods: A total of 38 sets of CBCT images and cephalograms before treatment were selected for this study. Thicknesses included alveolar bone, cortical bone, and cancellous bone at the labial and lingual sides. Root diameter and total root-bone thickness were also evaluated. The measurements were performed at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the cemento-enamel junction. Heights included labial bone height and lingual bone height. All measurements were performed on cephalograms and CBCT images of the mandibular central incisor (L1CT) and mandibular lateral incisor (L2CT). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p < 0.01) to compare the cephalograms, L1CT, and L2CT. Results: The cephalograms presented thicker alveolar bone and cortical bone (labial: 0.16−0.31 mm, lingual: 0.14−0.29 mm; p < 0.001) as well as higher alveolar crest (labial: 0.46−0.48 mm, lingual: 0.38−0.39 mm; p < 0.001) than the CBCT images on both the labial and lingual sides, whereas lingual cancellous thicknesses were not significantly different (p = 0.257). The cephalograms presented greater total root-bone thicknesses than L1CT (0.19−0.30 mm; p < 0.001), whereas the cephalograms traced thinner roots than L1CT (0.18−0.23 mm; p < 0.001) and L2CT (0.39−0.59 mm; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Lateral cephalograms cannot represent both mandibular central and lateral incisor dentoalveolar thicknesses, heights, and root diameters the same as CBCT. However, the differences were less than 0.5 mm.

The Accuracy of Lateral Cephalogram in Representing the Anterior Maxillary Dentoalveolar Position.

Background: To evaluate the dentoalveolar position and root diameters of the maxillary incisors from cone beam computed tomograms (CBCT) compared with cephalometric tracings. Methods: A total of 64 sets of initial lateral cephalograms and CBCT images were enrolled. Measurements of dentoalveolar position included bone thicknesses and heights of alveolar, cortical, and cancellous bone. Root diameter and total root-bone thickness were also evaluated. All measurements were performed on cephalograms and CBCT images of the maxillary central incisor (U1CT) and maxillary lateral incisor (U2CT). The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (p < 0.01) to compare the cephalograms, U1CT, and U2CT. Results: The cephalograms presented thicker alveolar bone (labial: 0.20−0.67 mm, palatal: 0.41−0.60 mm; p < 0.001) and cortical bone (labial: 0.20−0.67 mm, palatal: 0.41−0.52 mm; p < 0.001) as well as higher alveolar crest (labial: 0.23−0.27 mm, palatal: 0.15−0.17 mm; p < 0.001) and cortical height (labial: 0.35−0.47 mm; p = 0.051, palatal: 0.14−0.18 mm; p < 0.001) than the CBCT images on both the labial and palatal sides, whereas palatal cancellous thickness was not significantly greater (p > 0.01). The cephalograms presented a greater total root-bone thicknesses (0.80−1.08 mm; p < 0.001), whereas the cephalograms traced thinner roots than the CBCT images (0.36−0.52 mm; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Routine lateral cephalograms are not suitable for alveolar bone evaluation in orthodontic treatment due to errors in representing dentoalveolar thicknesses and heights.

Maxillary anterior gingiva and dentoalveolar changes after en-masse retraction between thick and thin gingival biotypes.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the changes of gingiva and alveolar bone parameters, including cortical and cancellous bones between thick and thin gingival biotypes after en-masse retraction. METHODS: Thirty-two adult subjects (mean age, 20.6 years) with maxillary anterior teeth protrusion and proclination were studied and divided into 2 equal groups: thick gingival biotype (TKB) and thin gingival biotype (TNB). Maxillary anterior teeth were retracted using nickel-titanium coil springs at 150 g of force bilaterally for 4 months. Lateral cephalograms, study models, and cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken before retraction and 3 months after 4 months of retraction. Nonparametric tests compared the changes within the groups at these periods and between the groups. RESULTS: The gingiva gained thickness and length (P <0.01) on the labial and palatal sides. The gingival thickness gained more on the palatal side (P <0.01), whereas the length gained equally in both groups. Labial alveolar bone showed increased thickness and height (P <0.01) as opposed to the palatal alveolar bone that presented with loss of thickness and height (P <0.01). The height loss occurred more in TNB (P <0.01). Labial cortical bone increased in thickness and height (P <0.01), whereas palatal cortical bone thinned (P <0.01) at levels in which no cancellous bone was present at the crestal level for TKB and the crestal and midroot levels for TNB. TKB showed slower incisor movement and less retroclination than the TNB (P <0.01) with minimal incisor extrusion. CONCLUSIONS: Favorable gingiva and labial bone responses after en-masse retraction were found in both gingival biotypes, whereas more palatal alveolar bone height loss was presented in TNB. Cortical bone thickness decreased when cancellous bone was absent.

Separation of aligning and leveling stages to control mandibular incisor inclination: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether separating the alignment and leveling phases can reduce proclination of the mandibular incisors. METHODS: Eligibility criteria included Class I subjects with an irregularity index of 3-5 mm, 3-4 mm curve-of-Spee (COS), and non-extraction treatment. Thirty adults were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) Control group was leveled and aligned simultaneously with flat archwires progressively to 0.016x0.022-in stainless-steel; (2) Experimental group was aligned first with 0.014-in-superelastic NiTi with mild accentuated COS, then leveled using 0.016x0.022-in beta-titanium accentuated COS archwires and gradually reduced the curve until flat. Mandibular incisor position and inclination were evaluated by cephalometric analysis. COS and irregularity index were evaluated in study models. Assessment was conducted twice after 0.016-in NiTi and after 0.016x0.022-in stainless-steel archwire placements. Dental changes from cephalograms and models were compared within group using paired t-test and between groups using independent t-test. RESULTS: Control group: Round-wire-phase, mandibular incisors tipped labially (4.38° and 1 mm) with intrusion (-1.13 mm); Rectangular-wire-phase, mandibular incisors further intruded and proclined (-0.63 mm and 1.38°). Experimental group: During aligning with round accentuated COS archwires, mandibular incisors tipped very slightly labially (0.75° and 0.50 mm) with no significant intrusion; during leveling with rectangular archwires, incisors majorly intruded (1.75 mm) with slight proclination (1.81°). The experimental group had significant less incisor proclination (control: 5.76°, experimental: 2.56°) with more incisor intrusion (control: -1.75 mm, experimental: -2.13 mm). The COS in experimental group showed significant greater reduction (-2.88 mm) than that of the control group (-1.69 mm). CONCLUSION: In control group, mandibular incisor proclination was markedly observed in round archwires, with further proclination caused by rectangular archwires. In experimental group, minimal proclination was exhibited when accentuated COS round archwires were used for aligning. Leveling with rectangular archwires caused less proclination with more COS reduction.

Separation of aligning and leveling stages to control mandibular incisor inclination: A randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether separating the alignment and leveling phases can reduce proclination of the mandibular incisors. Methods: Eligibility criteria included Class I subjects with an irregularity index of 3-5 mm, 3-4 mm curve-of-Spee (COS), and non-extraction treatment. Thirty adults were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) Control group was leveled and aligned simultaneously with flat archwires progressively to 0.016x0.022-in stainless-steel; (2) Experimental group was aligned first with 0.014-in-superelastic NiTi with mild accentuated COS, then leveled using 0.016x0.022-in beta-titanium accentuated COS archwires and gradually reduced the curve until flat. Mandibular incisor position and inclination were evaluated by cephalometric analysis. COS and irregularity index were evaluated in study models. Assessment was conducted twice after 0.016-in NiTi and after 0.016x0.022-in stainless-steel archwire placements. Dental changes from cephalograms and models were compared within group using paired t-test and between groups using independent t-test. Results: Control group: Round-wire-phase, mandibular incisors tipped labially (4.38° and 1 mm) with intrusion (-1.13 mm); Rectangular-wire-phase, mandibular incisors further intruded and proclined (-0.63 mm and 1.38°). Experimental group: During aligning with round accentuated COS archwires, mandibular incisors tipped very slightly labially (0.75° and 0.50 mm) with no significant intrusion; during leveling with rectangular archwires, incisors majorly intruded (1.75 mm) with slight proclination (1.81°). The experimental group had significant less incisor proclination (control: 5.76°, experimental: 2.56°) with more incisor intrusion (control: -1.75 mm, experimental: -2.13 mm). The COS in experimental group showed significant greater reduction (-2.88 mm) than that of the control group (-1.69 mm). Conclusion: In control group, mandibular incisor proclination was markedly observed in round archwires, with further proclination caused by rectangular archwires. In experimental group, minimal proclination was exhibited when accentuated COS round archwires were used for aligning. Leveling with rectangular archwires caused less proclination with more COS reduction.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se separar os estágios de alinhamento e nivelamento reduz a projeção dos incisivos inferiores. Métodos: Os critérios de inclusão foram indivíduos Classe I com índice de irregularidade de 3-5mm, Curva de Spee (CS) de 3-4mm e tratamento sem extrações. Trinta adultos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: o Grupo Controle (1) foi simultaneamente alinhado e nivelado com arcos planos progressivamente até atingir o 0,016" x 0,022" de aço inoxidável; o Grupo Experimental (2) foi inicialmente alinhado com arcos superelásticos NiTi 0,014" com CS levemente aumentada, em seguida nivelado com arcos de beta-titânio 0,016" x 0,022" com CS acentuada, que foi gradualmente reduzida até ficar plana. A posição e inclinação dos incisivos inferiores foram avaliadas por meio de análise cefalométrica. A CS e o índice de irregularidade foram avaliados por meio de modelos de estudo. A avaliação foi realizada duas vezes, sendo após a inserção dos arcos NiTi 0,016" e dos arcos 0,016" x 0,022" de aço. As mudanças dentárias visualizadas nos cefalogramas e nos modelos foram comparadas dentro dos grupos utilizando teste t pareado e entre os grupos utilizando o teste t independente. Resultados: Grupo Controle: estágio de arco redondo: os incisivos inferiores se inclinaram vestibularmente (4.38° e 1 mm) e intruíram (-1,13mm); estágio de arco retangular: os incisivos inferiores intruíram e se projetaram adicionalmente (-0.63mm e 1,38°). Grupo Experimental: Durante o alinhamento com arcos redondos e CS acentuada, os incisivos inferiores se inclinaram levemente para vestibular (0,75° e 0,50mm), sem intrusão significativa; durante o nivelamento com arcos retangulares, os incisivos, em sua maioria, intruíram (1,75mm), com uma leve projeção (1,81°). O grupo experimental apresentou projeção dos incisivos significativamente menor (controle: 5,76°; experimental: 2,56°), com maior intrusão dos incisivos (controle: -1,75mm; experimental: -2,13mm). A CS no Grupo Experimental apresentou redução significativamente maior (-2,88 mm) do que no grupo controle (-1,69 mm). Conclusão: No Grupo Controle, foi observada de forma notória a projeção dos incisivos inferiores nos arcos redondos, com projeção adicional causada pelos arcos retangulares. No Grupo Experimental, foi observada uma projeção mínima quando foram utilizados arcos redondos com CS acentuada para alinhamento. O nivelamento com arcos retangulares causou menos projeção com maior redução da CS.

Volumetric evaluation of root resorption on the upper incisors using cone beam computed tomography after 1 year of orthodontic treatment in adult patients with marginal bone loss.

OBJECTIVES:: To determine upper incisor root resorption, volume loss, and the relationship between root volume loss and tooth movement after 1 year of orthodontic treatment in patients with marginal bone loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: A total of 30 women (46.3 ± 5.4 years old) with moderate upper incisor bone loss who required intrusion during orthodontic treatment were recruited. Pre- and post-treatment cone beam computed tomography images were reconstructed. Upper incisors at pre- and post-treatment were superimposed; labio- and palato-apical, middle, and coronal third root volumes were assessed. Tooth movement and alveolar bone height were measured from lateral cephalometric radiographs and cone beam computed tomography. Changes in root volume/alveolar bone height were compared using paired-sample t-tests, percentage root volume loss for each tooth/segment was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance, and the relationship between percentage root loss and degree of tooth movement was assessed by linear regression. RESULTS:: Mean root volume significantly decreased on the labio- and palato-apical aspects of 12 and labio-apical aspects of 21 and 22 ( P ≤ .024). Palato-apical segment volume loss was greater on lateral than central incisors ( P ≤ .016). Two-dimensional root length and cementoenamel junction-bone crest distance did not change between T0 and T1, with no significant relationship between tooth movement amount and percentage root volume loss. CONCLUSIONS:: Delivery of 40 g intrusive force to the four upper incisors using a T-loop and the leveling phase lead to more apical root volume loss on lateral than central incisors. There was no relationship between extent of tooth movement and upper incisor root volume loss.

Tooth and bone changes after initial anterior dental alignment using preformed vs customized nickel titanium archwires in adults: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare tooth movement achieved, time required for alignment, root resorption, and alveolar bone thickness changes during initial dental alignment between groups treated with 0.012-inch preformed heat-activated or customized nickel titanium (NiTi) archwires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two subjects (mean age 19.8 ± 1.7 years) with severe crowding of maxillary anterior teeth had premolar extractions and were randomly allocated into control and experimental groups receiving preformed heat-activated and customized NiTi archwires, respectively. Limited field of view cone-beam computed tomographies were taken initially (T0) and three months after final alignment (TF) to evaluate bone changes. Digital model analysis assessed tooth movement at monthly intervals. Time to achieve alignment was assessed in months. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare changes within and between groups, as appropriate. RESULTS: Central incisor tooth movement was significantly different (all P ≤ .003) between groups at all time points. TF-T0 showed labial movement (0.75 ± 1.42 mm) in the control group and palatal movement (-0.96 ± 0.41 mm) in the experimental group. The experimental compared to control group showed significantly more canine distal movement (0.60 ± 0.28 mm; P ≤ .049), less labial bone thickness changes ( P ≤ .004), less root resorption of the central and lateral incisors ( P ≤ .007), and a longer time to achieve alignment ( P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The experimental group exhibited palatal movement of the central incisors, more canine distal movement with less bone thickness changes, and less root resorption but took more time to achieve alignment than the control group.

Effect of incisal loading during orthodontic treatment in adults: A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the changes in tooth mobility, alveolar bone, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic treatment to regain incisal function in the presence and absence of biting exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six females (42.3 ± 6.5 years old) with periodontally compromised upper incisors received orthodontic treatment to obtain ideal incisor relationships. Eighteen subjects in the experimental biting exercise group were instructed to bite a soft plastic roll for 5 min/d; the 18 control subjects were not given plastic rolls. Alveolar bone thickness, height, and density around the upper incisors were assessed at three root levels using cone-beam computed tomography. GCF was collected at the labial and palatal sites of the upper incisors at pretreatment (T0), end of treatment (T1), 1 month after T1 (T2), and 7 months after T1 (T3). RANKL/OPG was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Labial and palatal bone thickness significantly increased (>twofold) from T1 to T3 in the experimental group at all three root levels (all P < .05). Bone thickness correlated negatively with RANKL/OPG ratio between T1 and T2 ( P < .05). Tooth mobility, bone height, and density were not significantly different between T1 and T3. CONCLUSIONS: Biting exercises significantly increased bone thickness but did not affect tooth mobility, bone height, or density. The RANKL/OPG ratio decreased 1 month after treatment (T2) and correlated with increased bone thickness. ( ClinicalTrials.in.th TCTR20170625001).

Vibratory stimulation increases interleukin-1 beta secretion during orthodontic tooth movement.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of application of vibratory stimuli on interleukin (IL)-1ß secretion during maxillary canine distalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Split-mouth design study in 15 subjects (mean age, 22.9 years; range 19-25 years) whose bilateral maxillary first premolars were extracted with subsequent canine distalization. On the experimental side, light force (60 g) was applied to the canine for 3 months in combination with vibratory stimuli provided using an electric toothbrush 15 minutes a day for 2 months; only orthodontic force was applied to the contralateral control canine. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from the mesial and distal sides of each canine at each monthly appointment. IL-1ß levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Canine movement was measured monthly. RESULTS: Overall, enhanced IL-1ß secretion was observed at the pressure sites of experimental canines compared to control canines (mean, 0.64 ± 0.33 pg/µL vs 0.10 ± 0.11 pg/µL, respectively, P < .001). The accumulative amount of tooth movement was greater for the experimental canine than for the control canine (mean, 2.85 ± 0.17 mm vs 1.77 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that, in combination with light orthodontic force, application of vibratory stimuli using an electric toothbrush enhanced the secretion of IL-1ß in GCF and accelerated orthodontic tooth movement.

Changes of anterior maxillary alveolar bone thickness following incisor proclination and extrusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in maxillary alveolar bone thickness after maxillary incisor proclination and extrusion during anterior crossbite correction in a group of growing patients with Class III malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary incisors of 15 growing patients with anterior crossbite were proclined and extruded with 0.016″ beta-titanium advancing loops and Class III elastics. Lateral cephalograms were recorded before advancement (T0) and 4 months after a normal overjet and overbite were achieved (T1). Changes in alveolar bone thickness surrounding the maxillary incisors at the crestal (S1), midroot (S2), and apical (S3) levels were measured using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Paired t-tests were used to determine the significance of the changes. A Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between thickness changes and the rate and amount of incisor movements. RESULTS: Although statistically significant decreases were observed in palatal and total bone thickness at the S2 and S3 level (P < .05), the amounts of these changes were clinically insignificant, ranging from 0.34 to 0.59 mm. Changes in labial bone thickness at all levels were not significant. Changes in palatal bone thickness at S3 were negatively correlated with changes in incisor inclination. (r  =  -0.71; P < .05). CONCLUSION: In a group of growing patients with Class III malocclusion undergoing anterior crossbite correction, controlled tipping mechanics accompanied by extrusive force may produce successful tooth movement with minimal iatrogenic detriment to the alveolar bone.

Interseptal bone reduction on the rate of maxillary canine retraction.

OBJECTIVE: To propose and evaluate a novel surgical approach with minimal trauma, termed interseptal bone reduction, combined with the use of a conventional orthodontic fixed appliance to accelerate canine retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split-mouth design study was conducted in 18 female subjects (mean age, 21.9 years) whose bilateral upper first premolars were extracted and who subsequently received canine distalization. The extraction socket on the experimental side was deepened, and interseptal bone distal to the maxillary canine was reduced in thickness using a surgical bur; conventional extraction was performed on the control side. The canines were then distalized using elastomeric chains on both the labial and palatal sides, with a net force of 150 g. The extent of canine movement and rotation was determined from study models, and the angulation was analyzed based on lateral cephalograms. RESULTS: A Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated that the extent of canine movement in the mesio-distal direction after 3 months was significantly greater on the experimental side than on the control side (5.4 and 3.4 mm, respectively, P  =  .002). However, there was no statistically significant difference in canine angulation or rotation after 3 months between the experimental and control sides. CONCLUSIONS: In combination with the use of conventional orthodontic appliances, interseptal bone reduction can enhance the rate of canine movement when interseptal bone is sufficiently reduced in both thickness and depth following surgical criteria.

Factors related to alveolar bone thickness during upper incisor retraction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors related to changes in alveolar bone thickness during upper incisor retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects consisted of 23 ongoing orthodontic patients (mean age 20.4 ± 2.7 years) whose upper incisors were bound for retraction. Changes in alveolar bone thickness in the retracted area were assessed using preretraction (T0) and postretraction (T1) cone-beam computed tomography images. Labial bone thickness (LBT), palatal bone thickness (PBT), and total bone thickness (TBT) were assessed at the crestal, midroot, and apical levels of the retracted incisors. Paired t-tests were used to compare T0 and T1 bone thickness measurements. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship of changes in alveolar bone thickness with the rate of tooth movement, change in inclination, initial alveolar bone thickness, and the extent of intrusion. RESULTS: As the upper incisors were retracted, the LBT at the crestal level and TBT at the apical level significantly increased (P < .005). Changes in alveolar bone thickness were significantly associated with the rate of tooth movement, change in inclination, and extent of intrusion (P < .05) but not initial alveolar bone thickness (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Rate of tooth movement, change in inclination, and extent of intrusion are significant factors that may influence alveolar bone thickness during upper incisor retraction. These factors must be carefully monitored to avoid the undesirable thickening of alveolar bone.