BACKGROUND:Distraction osteogenesis applied in patient’s canine distal movement, can greatly improve the speed of tooth movement, and protect the molar anchorage. But the researches on the traction rate, canine pulp vitality, canine periodontal tissue remodeling and the biological mechanisms of the technology are rare recently. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the feasibility of rapid canine retraction through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament in adult patients and to monitor the pulp vitality, root resorption and periodontal remodeling of the canine. METHODS:Nine malocclusion patients were selected, and the bilateral maxil ary canine in adult patients were rapidly retracted and moved to the scheduled position using modified distraction devices. The canine distal movement distance, anchorage loss, root resorption and alveolar interval alterations were measured through intraoral radiographs, and lateral cephalograms. The pulp and periodontal of canine were mointrored. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The canines could be rapidly retracted to the schedualed position through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament in 12-16 days, the average amount of retraction was 7.18 mm and the canines tipped distal y (13.24±2.87)°. The anchorage loss was 0.5 mm. There was no obvious root resorption and periodontal tissue loss. The pulp vitality of the canines was decreased significantly right after distraction, but it recovered significantly after 3 months. The results indicated that periodontal ligament distraction osteogenesis can significantly accelerate canine movement speed, shorten treatment time, while protecting the molar anchorage;there was no significant adverse reaction of root resorption, loose teeth, pulp necrosis and loss of periodontal tissue. Indcating that distraction osteogenesis of periodontal ligament can move canines rapidly and effectively.