# Root shortening decisions

From SMILE-FX® · Prepared 30 October 2026

Before-and-after radiographs can show measured root-length change. A clinician interprets that finding in treatment context; tooth appearance or phone progress photographs cannot supply that root assessment.

The open-bite study's research CBCT protocol is not a universal imaging schedule.

A root finding changes the balance between desired tooth movement and concern about further root change. Continuing, revising goals or ending active care can leave different goals unmet.

A 2019 Dutch fixed-appliance guideline supports shared decisions and informing the general dentist, so later care can consider the affected roots. Its management and aftercare advice was largely consensus; it cannot give an individual prognosis or universal follow-up schedule.

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## Sources

- [2019 guideline report](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7109605/)
- [2023 open-bite trial](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10633803/)
- [2020 retrospective study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6943096/)

Related guides: [Imaging](https://orthodonticimagingguide.com/) · [Retreatment](https://orthodonticretreatmentguide.com/)

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