Comparison of Orthodontic Molar Protraction With and Without Adjunctive Surgery

Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * At least 18 years old * Must be a patient of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Dental School * Able to read and understand informed consent document * One or more nonadjacent 1st or 2nd molar teeth that require protraction of ≥ 5 mm in patients undergoing orthodontic tooth movement * Presence of periodontally healthy, non-carious neighboring teeth, healthy implants or edentulous ridges on either side of the involved site(s) * No anticipated need for restorative care at the teeth to be treated during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Less than 18 years old * Smokers/tobacco users (\>10 cigarettes/day) * Patients with systemic pathologies or conditions contraindicating oral surgical procedures or adversely affecting wound healing * Presence of active periodontal disease, caries, and/or periapical pathology at teeth to be moved orthodontically * Previous orthodontic therapy involving molar protraction of teeth to be treated * Previous periodontal surgery at site(s) to be treated