Orthodontic movement of teeth with short root anomaly: should it be avoided, faced or ignored?

• Main Authors: Jose Valladares Neto, José Rino Neto, João Batista de Paiva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dental Press Editora 2013-12-01
• Series: Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics
• Subjects: Raiz dentária; Anormalidades dentárias; Reabsorção da raiz; Ortodontia
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2176-94512013000600012&lng=en&tlng=en

INTRODUCTION: Short Root Anomaly (SRA) is an uncommon disease and a challenge for orthodontic treatment as it tends to increase the risk of root resorption. OBJECTIVE: Assess the current status of the diagnosis, etiology and orthodontic management of teeth with SRA, and present case reports. METHOD: A literature review was carried out in PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: A differential diagnosis of SRA should be conducted for teeth with incomplete root formation, external apical root resorption, dentin dysplasia type I and post dental trauma root hypoplasia. SRA is genetically determined and orthodontic movement requires changes in clinical and radiographic management in order to restrict damage. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic movement of teeth with SRA is contraindicated in extreme cases, only. Caution at all stages could minimize attachment loss and lead to long-term stability.