An Investigation of Depressive Root Movement in the Macaque Speciosa Monkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of accomplishing simultaneous intrusion and distal root movement of monkey premolar teeth utilizing the molar teeth as anchorage. Four Macaque speciosa monkeys were used as the experimental specimens. Root springs of the type used in the segmented arch technique were used to apply unequal moments to the premolar and molar teeth. The root movement was accomplished by a couple generated by the unequal moments. The results were analyzed cephalometrically and histologically. It was found that it is possible to accomplish distal root movement and intrusion of the monkey premolars when the anchorage is restrained from eruption. When the anchorage is not restrained intrusion is minimal. Root resorption was found to be associated with the magnitude of the difference in the moments applied and the amount of tooth movement.