Evaluation of root resorption in relation to two orthodontic treatment regimes. A clinical experimental study.

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the effect of a treatment pause on teeth in which apical root resorption was discovered after an initial treatment period of 6 months with fixed appliance. Forty patients with initial apical root resorption in 62 upper incisors were included in the study. In 20 patients treatment continued according to the original plan and in 20 patients active treatment was interrupted during a pause of 2-3 months. After the pause active treatment was resumed. Assessment of apical root resorption was performed on standardized radiographs taken with individual film holders. The amount of root resorption was significantly less in patients treated with a pause than in those treated without interruption.