Treatment of a severe Class II malocclusion with pre-existing root resorption - A judicious use of orthodontic appliances

The orthodontic treatment of patients with pre-existing root resorption (RR) is often difficult due to the increased risk of progression and often a compromised treatment outcome can be expected. The treatment plan in such situations should comprise of a root sparing strategy, which includes reducing the treatment duration with fixed appliances, non-extraction treatment, reducing force levels, avoiding intrusion of at-risk teeth, reducing the amount of apical movement of the affected teeth and intermittent force application where possible. The following case report shows the use of a root sparing strategy in the treatment of a severe Class II malocclusion with pre-existing root resorption of the 11 and 21.