Method: Subjects were actively recruited and those who received braces for the first time were invited to participate. Patients were assigned to receive a functioning device and used for a six month study period. CBCT images were taken of the dentition at the start of treatment and at the end of the study period.
Results: 20 subjects completed using the device during the study period. The mean age of the subjects was 17.5 years. Measurements of all teeth present were made from the mesial buccal roots of the first molar on one side of the dental arch to the mesial buccal roots of the first molar on the opposing side of the same arch. These measurements were recorded as linear lengths in mm. A paired t-test was used to determine if significant differences occurred for root lengths at the end of treatment compared to the start of treatment for each of the individual tooth groups. No statistical differences were noted for root length changes above 0.5 mm and 1 mm.
Conclusions: No statistically significant findings were noted for root length change at the end of treatment compared to the start of treatment when using this novel robotic device. No significant differences were noted between roots of anterior and posterior teeth. No clinically significant changes between root lengths were noted above 0.5 mm.