Root Resorption/Blunting

[jumwilms]

Hi All,

I have a question for anyone who might be able to contribute.

How common is root resorption and/or blunting? I'm assuming that it is up to my orthos training and experience to know how fast to go without causing blunting...but resorption sounds like it can't be avoided if it's going to happen.

I think the worst possible outcome for me would be to end up limiting the functionality of my teeth for aesthetic reasons.

Is there anything I can do to avoid these problems down the line? Anything I should keep an eye out for?

Thanks,
-J

[Janesays]

why do you ask... My sister-in-law was in a bicycle accident and the trama caused root resorption.

I can't see braces causing this kind of trama...

why do you ask?

Maybe others that work at orthodontists office and see several hundreds of patients can answer.. I'd like to know also.

[jumwilms]

I ask because it was in nice big letters in my contract stating that it is possible with or without orthodontia...just for disclosure I'm sure. I'm told it's not alarmingly common, but can and does happen.

It got me thinking though, and from what I've read the leading cause in western society seems to be orthodontia. (I think I got that from Wiki so take it how you wish)

So, if there is anything I can do to avoid it...I surely will.

[Sunny]

Root reabsorption usually happens when teeth move quite a bit. Some people are more likely for this to happen than others. orthodontists will (or should) not treat patients who already have issues in this area ... which may be due to previous trauma, or previous ortho treatment. The x-rays the orthodontist takes before beginning treatment, is an indication of the condition of the roots of your teeth, and some ortho's will take x-rays during treatment and all should do this again at the end of treatment.

Where I work, we have found that it's not uncommon for people having second and third round orthodontic treatment to have minor root reabsorption, but with great ongoing dental checkups and oral hygiene, there's no reason to suspect it will become worse and teeth be lost.

It's important that teeth aren't moved too quickly ... now this doesn't necessarily relate to the alignment done in the first few months, as most of that doesn't involve much root movement, but is more about the face of the tooth moving. So please don't be too concerned about that type of movement.

The main way to prevent issues like reabsorption is to follow your ortho's instructions carefully. An example is when wearing elastics .. if you're told to wear them 23 hours a day, then do it. Coz if you wear them 10 hours one day, 23 hours the next, not at all the next and back to 23 the following day, you are 'jerking' the movement around, and this may not be good for the roots of your teeth. Also if you're told to wear a particular size of elastic, don't double up, or wearing a stronger elastic. Ortho's need to do considerable training ... so let them lead your treatment. Of course this doesn't mean you don't question what they're doing ... in fact this should be encouraged.

Jumwilms since this is concerning you, please talk to your orthodontist, as this is the person who can tell you about the condition of the roots of your teeth now and what you can do to help reabsorption not be an issue for you!

Good luck!