Retraction of maxillary canines after first premolar extractions is a very common orthodontic task in cases of crowding or for the correction of large overjet. Many studies have been done to increase the rate of retraction. The aim is to compare the rate of canine retraction into recent extraction site with and without circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy.

The rate of movement of the canines into the recent extraction site of the first premolar with or without circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy was measured in 14 patients aged 13 to 22 years. The study was done on 9 maxillary and 5 mandibular arches. The appliance used in the present study was the preadjusted edgewise (0.022 inch Roth prescription) and retraction performed by frictionless mechanics using Composite T Loop. The distalization of canines was measured at regular intervals (T1, T2, T3 and T4). Recordings of the positions of the canines at the beginning and at different intervals were made from dental casts.

The mean difference between the two sides for the total time span T1-T4, for maxillary arch was 0.36 mm and for mandibular arch was 0.60 mm respectively.

There can be various factors that affect the rate of tooth movement. Factors like bone density, bone metabolism, and turnover in the periodontal ligament, amount of force applied may be responsible for the variation.

No clinically significant increased rate of retraction of cuspids in the recent extraction site with fiberotomy was found in comparison to the retraction in recent extraction site without fiberotomy.

Kalra A, Jaggi N, Bansal M, Goel S, Medsinge SV, Abraham R, Jasoria G. Comparison of Rate of Canine Retraction into Recent Extraction Site with and without Gingival Fiberotomy: A Clinical Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(3):419-426.