Influence of Age on Anchorage Loss During Initial Orthodontic Alignment in Extraction Cases

Abstract

Background: Anchorage control is a critical factor in orthodontic treatment, particularly in extraction cases where unwanted tooth movement can compromise treatment outcomes. Biological factors, including age, may influence the extent of anchorage loss during orthodontic tooth movement.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of age on anchorage loss during the initial leveling and alignment phase in orthodontic patients undergoing extraction therapy.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 20 orthodontic patients aged 13–30 years undergoing fixed appliance therapy with premolar extraction. Patients were divided into two age groups: ≤20 years and >20 years. Anchorage loss was assessed before treatment and after completion of initial leveling and alignment using both lateral cephalometric radiographs and study model analysis. Measurements were made using standardized reference points, and the differences between pre- and post-treatment values were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare anchorage loss between the two age groups.

Results: Anchorage loss was observed in all patients following initial alignment. The younger age group (≤20 years) demonstrated significantly greater anchorage loss compared to the older group (>20 years) in both cephalometric (2.66 ± 1.44 mm vs 1.65 ± 0.89 mm) and model analyses (1.77 ± 1.31 mm vs 1.06 ± 0.51 mm) (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion: Age significantly influences anchorage loss during early orthodontic treatment, with younger patients showing greater susceptibility. Careful anchorage planning is essential, particularly in adolescent patients, to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.