Are asthma and airway allergy associated with increased root resorption following orthodontic treatment? A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: Asthma and airway allergy have been implicated with root resorption development following orthodontic treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate systematically the relevant literature.

Materials and Methods: Search without restrictions for published and unpublished literature and hand searching took place. Data on root resorption in patients with asthma or allergy having undergone comprehensive orthodontic treatment were reviewed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: From the initially retrieved records, three cohort and two case-control studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies reported conflicting results and the risk of bias assessment revealed shortcomings in various domains.

Conclusions: The information regarding the association of asthma and airway allergy with root resorption following orthodontic treatment is contradictory and further research is warranted. However, until more data become available good practice would suggest that it is important to identify patients with asthma or airway allergy and consider the possible implications.