Radiographic Assessment of Postorthodontic Complications in a Nigerian Population

Abstract

Background: Orthodontic treatment though highly beneficial has some potential risks.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of radiographic complications seen on the teeth and tooth-supporting structures following orthodontic treatment and to determine their relationship with certain patient-related factors.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out among patients who have undergone fixed orthodontic therapy. The clinical records, pretreatment orthopantomogram (OPG), and posttreatment OPG for each case were retrieved, and relevant information was extracted (age, gender, motivation for treatment, duration of treatment, number of missed appointments, and intervals between missed appointments). The pre‑ and post‑treatment OPGs were examined under adequate illumination and compared for changes such as root resorption, dental caries, and interdental bone loss. Data collected were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The study participants consisted of 10 (45.5%) males and 12 (54.5%) females, with a mean age of 12.0 ± 2.2 years. The motivation  for treatment was mostly primary (68.2%) and the mean duration of treatment was 41 months. All participants had missed appointments  during their treatment, with a mean of 5.67 missed appointments and a mean interval between missed appointments of 4.69 weeks. Root  resorption was present in 9 (40.9%) participants and alveolar bone loss in 6 (27.3%) participants, whereas no case of dental caries  was seen following orthodontic treatment. Factors associated with root resorption were female gender, secondary motivation for  orthodontic treatment, mean duration of treatment ≥38 months, number of missed appointments ≥6, and mean interval between missed  appointments of ≥6 weeks. Factors associated with alveolar bone loss were male gender, mean duration of treatment ≥45 months, number of missed appointments ≥8, and mean interval between missed appointments of ≥6 weeks.

Conclusion: Complications involving  the teeth and tooth‑supporting structures following fixed orthodontic treatment may be common, but the extent and severity are often  limited.