Genetics predisposition, heredity and radicular resorption, in Orthodontics. Cares with precipitated interpretations and a critical analysis of Al-Qawasmi´s work

Alberto CONSOLARO, Maria Fernanda MARTINS-ORTIZ

The study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics last March by AlQawasmi et al. tried to implicate dental resorption during orthodontic treatment to genetic predisposition. The methodology used, however, presents limitations and interpretative mistakes of the results. When analyzing the article sensibly, one is able to ind that these limitations, mostly acknowledged and mentioned by the authors in the discussion, does not allow concluding as they did in the end or even being so decisive in the abstract. Since most clinicians are not familiar with genetic terminology, an elucidative analysis is required in order to apply this knowledge to everyday life in orthodontic practice. When referencing or citating Al-Qawasmi et al. one must be careful its limitations acknowledged by the authors themselves, despite their decisive title. Afirming that the referred paper demonstrates the heritable nature of root resorption in Orthodontics may reveal lack of knowledge on the subject, an inappropriate interpretation of it or even the exclusive reading of its title. In another hypothesis, citating this study as decisive scientiic proof of heritability implicated in dental resorption in Orthodontics may indicate the wish to exonerate the clinician of responsibility to consider root and alveolar crest morphology when individualizing treatment plan based on a deeper knowledge of Orthodontic techniques.

Keywords: Root resorption. Dental resorption. Genetic predisposition. Heritability. Orthodontic movement. Induced tooth movement.

Sunday, May 19, 2024 23:18