Journal of Dental Research, Vol 70, 192-197, Copyright © 1991 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
An experimental study in dogs of transseptal fiber arrangement between teeth which have emerged in rotated or non-rotated positions
S. T. Kusters, A. M. Kuijpers-Jagtman and J. C. Maltha
Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, University of Nymegen, The Netherlands.
Transseptal fibers of the periodontal ligament are thought to play a role
in relapse after orthodontic derotation. The aim of this study was to
compare the location of the attachment site and the arrangement of the
transseptal fibers in rotated emerged and non-rotated emerged teeth. In
five dogs, unilaterally, the first upper premolars were replaced into a
rotated position, before emergence. Histological evaluation showed that
transseptal fibers developed in the experimental as well as in the control
specimens. In all cases, transseptal fibers bridged the shortest distance
between two adjacent teeth. It was concluded that the attachment site of
the transseptal fibers was not determined by the tooth anatomy itself, but
by the tooth position and its orientation in the dental arch during
transseptal fiber development.
