Comparison of the effects of micro-osteoperforation and corticision on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of flapless micro-osteoperforation and corticision on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following groups: micro-osteoperforation and orthodontic force (MOP + F), corticision and orthodontic force (C + F), and orthodontic force only (F, control). The left maxillary first molars were pulled forward with a force of 50 g. Flapless surgical interventions were conducted in the MOP + F and C + F groups. The total duration of the experiment was 6 weeks. Alveolar bone density and the number of osteoclasts were evaluated using microcomputed tomography and histologic examination, respectively. RESULTS: The tooth movement distance was significantly higher in both experimental groups than in the control group. Bone density and bone mineral density decreased in the MOP + F and C + F groups. The number of osteoclasts in the MOP + F and C + F groups was significantly higher than in the control group F. CONCLUSION: The two minimally invasive flapless surgical interventions increased bone remodeling and osteoclast activity and induced faster orthodontic tooth movement for at least 2 weeks in rats. No differences were observed between the outcome of flapless micro-osteoperforation and corticision in the rats.