Micro-osteoperforation for enhancement of orthodontic movement: A mechanical analysis using the finite element method.

Background: Micro-osteoperforation is a minimally invasive technique aimed at accelerating tooth movement. The goal of this novel experimental study was to assess tooth movement and stress distribution produced by the force of orthodontic movement on the tooth structure, periodontal ligament, and maxillary bone structure, with and without micro-osteoperforation, using the finite element method.

Materials And Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography was used to obtain a virtual model of the maxilla and simulate the extraction of right and left first premolars.