An investigation into the relationship of alveolar bone height and timing of canine retraction following premolar extraction.

A study was undertaken, using Panorex radiographs, to examine the effect on alveolar bone o f the time interval between the extraction o f a tooth and the commencement o f active tooth movement into the extraction site. There were 3 experimental groups o f 25 subjects each, namely, no treatment; active canine retraction begun within 3 weeks o f extraction o f the first premolar; and active canine retraction begun not less than 20 weeks after ex­ traction o f the first configuration. No statistically signifi­ cant differences were shown in the height o f the intersti­ tial alveolar bone supporting the mandibular canine in the 3 groups. OPSOMMING