CHANGES IN ALVEOLAR BONE HEIGHT AFTER MAXILLARY ANTERIOR RETRACTION BETWEEN EN-MASSE AND TWO-STEP RETRACTION

Abstract

This retrospective study compared vertical alveolar bone height changes following maxillary anterior retraction using en-masse versus two-step techniques in adults. Lateral cephalograms of 24 female patients (mean age 20.16 ± 1.80 years) treated with first premolar extraction were analyzed. Skeletal, dental, and alveolar bone height (labial and palatal) changes were evaluated. Results showed no significant intergroup differences in skeletal or dental changes. Significant labial bone increased occurred in both groups at comparable levels (0.11-0.12 mm). However, significant palatal bone loss was observed only in the en-masse group (0.16 mm), whereas the two-step group showed a non-significant decrease. In conclusion, the two-step technique tends to better preserve palatal bone height, making it a clinically suitable option for patients with thin alveolar biotypes or periodontal risks.

Keywords: Alveolar Bone Height, Maxillary Anterior Retraction, Lateral Cephalometric Radiograph, En-masse Retraction, Two-Step Retraction