Review article Annals and Essences of Dentistry

5368/aedj.2015.7.4.3.2
BIOLOGY OF TOOTH MOVEMENT
1 1
Rohit Reddy S Post graduate
2 2
Gowri sankar Singaraju Professor
3 3
Prasad Mandava Professor and Head
4 4
Vivek Reddy Ganugapanta Reader

1-4
Department of Orthodontics, Narayana Dental College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.

ABSTRACT: Extrinsic forces applied to the crown of the tooth during physiological, therapeutic or pathological processes
cause tooth movement. It is impossible for a tooth to be relocated without the remodeling of the periodontium. Bone
remodeling brought about by proper techniques and protocol, will reduce the duration of treatment, resulting in quicker tooth
movement, reduce pain and histologic damage and most importantly achievement of stable results. Even though the
mechanical advances are used quite carefully during orthodontic tooth movement, traumatic effects on the periodontium
have not been totally prevented. This may be because of a lack of complete understanding of the cellular complexities.
Proper understanding of cellular and molecular biology and also the specific biochemical pathways will help design
mechanics that will produce maximum benefits during tooth movement with minimal tissue damage. This reviews briefly the
Biology of tooth movement to understand and update the knowledge on the latest research on biological changes
occurring at the molecular level. This would in turn help in delivering better mechanics, producing quicker tooth movement
with minimum tissue damage and maximum comfort to the patient.

KEYWORDS: Tooth movement, Biology, Orthodontic.

INTRODUCTION

The eruption and movement of a tooth occurs due to Fundamental principles of biology of tooth movement
the translocation of the tooth from one position in the jaw
to another. Teeth can be repositioned and retained in a Periodontium
new position in the jaw using orthodontic appliances,
through the intervention of the cells of the periodontium. The periodontium is an "organ" composed of
Proper understanding of cellular and molecular biology will functionally coordinated tissues: (1) attached gingiva, (2)
help design mechanics that will produce maximum benefits epithelial attachment, (3) PDL and (4) alveolar bone .The
during tooth movement with minimal tissue damage. specialized tissue that is the principal mediator of tooth
movement is the PDL.
Orthodontic tooth movement differs markedly from
physiological dental drift or tooth eruption. The former is Assuming the periodontium is healthy and there is an
uniquely characterized by the abrupt creation of adequate band of attached tissue, orthodontic tooth
1
compression and tension regions in the PDL. movement is a viable option. A cardinal contraindication
4
for tooth movement is periodontitis.
The force-induced tissue strain produces local
alterations in vascularity, as well as cellular and Dynamic Bone physiology:
extracellular matrix reorganization, leading to the synthesis
and release of various neurotransmitters, cytokines, As bone is a relatively rigid material, incapable of
growth factors, colony-stimulating factors, and metabolites internal expansion or contraction, changes in osseous
2, 3
of arachidonic acid. structure are via cell-mediated resorption and formation.
Modeling, a change in shape or size of an osseous
Contrary to the impression gained from the literature, structure, is achieved by differential bone formation and
tooth movement is not confined to events within the resorption along the periosteal and endosteal surfaces.
periodontal ligament. Recent research suggests that Internal turnover of osseous tissue is termed remodeling.
orthodontic tooth movement involves two interrelated Remodeling is controlled by both metabolic and
processes: (1) deflection or bending of the alveolar bone biomechanical mechanisms, and is also an important
4
and (2) remodelling of the periodontal tissues. element in the postoperative healing of cortical bone.

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The tissue biology associated with tooth movement: the amount of root surface increases. Therefore, for a
large, multirooted tooth, the magnitude of force transmitted
It must be noted that the bones of the facial skeleton, to the surrounding cells is less than for a small, single-
particularly alveolar bones, are derived from the embryonic rooted tooth in which the force is concentrated over a
5
neural crest tissue. The bone that this tissue makes is lesser area.
intramembraneous and its utility is similar to an armor
plate. It does not have significant weight-bearing or heavy Optimal orthodontic force
muscular-supporting functions.
Traditionally, orthodontic forces have been categorized
Tooth movement is an iatrogenically imposed traumatic as light or heavy, and it was assumed that light forces
event from which the bone and tooth recover and this are gentler and therefore more physiologic than heavy
localized wound healing episode occurs rapidly and forces. Therefore it can be stated that, to produce
efficiently with fewer intermediate steps. Through a adequate biological response in the periodontium, light
complex signaling system involving many types of cells in forces are preferable. Unlike light forces, heavy forces
and around the teeth and their supporting structures, teeth often cause necrosis (hyalinization) of the PDL and
4 6
move through bone. undermining bone resorption , and have been implicated
in root resorption.
Cell biology
According to Schwarz, forces below optimum force
The first structure of note is the cell membrane. This produce no reaction, whereas forces above that level lead
lipid bilayer "double soap bubble skin" separates the to tissue necrosis, thus preventing frontal resorption of the
7
vast extracellular space outside of the cell from the closed alveolar bone.
compartmentalized and highly organized cytosol. The
force system creates the movement of fluids in the
extracellular matrix. This event will alter the macroscopic
tissue called the periodontal ligament. These cells
communicate with one another through the liberation of
specific molecules called chemokines and cytokines. This
alteration of cellular physiology can take the form of cell
proliferation, cell differentiation, fabricating of a variety of
cell products, changes in the cytoskeletal proteins,
changes in cell shape, cell migration (chemotaxis),
programmed cell death (apoptosis), and changes in cell
surface adhesion. Ultimately, as each cell is activated,
4
they act in concert or in combination as a tissue.

Biological response to biomechanical signals:

An orthodontic appliance transfers mechanical

stresses through the tooth to the periodontium where they Fig.1. Optimal force
are translated into physical, chemical, and electrical
signals to cells that activate tissue remodeling to allow
tooth movement. The quantity of force application can be The current concept means that there is a force of
adjusted by altering the magnitude of activation, and the certain magnitude and temporal characteristics
quality of the force system depends on the direction, point (continuous v/s intermitted, constant v/s declining)
5
of attachment, and the ratio of moment to force applied. capable of producing a maximal rate of tooth movement,
without tissue damage, and with maximum patient
Orthodontic mechanics to control tooth movement comfort.
8-9
According to this concept, the optimal force
might differ for each tooth and for each patient.(Table 1)
In a purely mechanical system, acceleration is
proportional to force (F = ma). Applying a greater force Phases of orthodontic tooth movement
makes an object move faster. In a biological system such
as is found in orthodontic treatment, more force may not 11
In 1962, Burstone suggested that, if the rates of tooth
necessarily equate to more or faster tooth movement. movement were plotted against time, there would be 3
phases of tooth movement--
It is not the force applied at the bracket that is important
1. Initial phase,
biologically, but the force per unit root surface that is
transmitted at the level of the periodontal ligament. The 2. Lag phase, and
force per unit area decreases for a given applied force as 3. Postlag phase.

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The initial phase is characterized by rapid movement This comprehensive process requires the recruitment
immediately after the application of force to the tooth. This of phagocytic cells such as macrophages, foreign body
rate can be largely attributed to the displacement of the giant cells, and osteoclasts from adjacent undamaged
tooth in the PDL space. areas of the PDL and alveolar bone marrow cavities.
These cells act in tandem to remove necrotic tissues from
Table.1. Optimum forces for orthodontic compressed PDL sites and adjacent alveolar bone.
tooth movement
In areas of PDL tension, quiescent osteoblasts (bone
surface lining cells) are enlarged and start producing new
T yp e o f m o ve m e n t Force*(gm) bone matrix (osteoid).

Ti p p i n g 35-60 The third and fourth phases of orthodontic tooth

movement, also known as the acceleration and linear
Bodily movement 70-120 phases, respectively, start about 40 days after the initial
(translation) force application.
50-100
Root uprighting
The pressure sides of teeth exhibit collagen fibers
35-60 without proper orientation indicating direct or frontal
Rotation
resorption which could be considered part of the
35-60
E xt r u s i o n remodeling process. The tension sides in the third and
Intrusion 10-20 fourth phases clearly show bone deposition, as evidenced
14
by alkaline phosphatase positive osteoblastic cells.
* v a l u e s d e p e n d i n p a r t o n t h e s i ze o f t h e t o o t h ;
smaller values appropriate for incisors, higher Theories of tooth movement
10
values for multirooted posterior teeth.
Orthodontic tooth movement has been defined as the
Immediately after the initial phase, there is a lag result of a biologic response to interference in the
period, with relatively low rates of tooth displacement or no physiologic equilibrium of the dentofacial complex by an
8
displacement. It has been suggested that the lag is externally applied force. The 3 main mechanisms for tooth
produced by hyalinization of the PDL in areas of movement proposes were
compression. No further tooth movement occurs until cells
complete the removal of all necrotic tissues. 1. The application of pressure and tension to the PDL,
2. Fluid dynamic theory
The third phase of tooth movement follows the lag 3. Bending of the alveolar bone
period, during which the rate of movement gradually or
suddenly increases. 1. The pressure-tension theory

Current concepts Classic histologic research about tooth movement by

15 16
Sandstedt (1904), Oppenheim (1911), and Schwarz
7
The studies,
12,13
performed on beagles, divided the (1932) led them to hypothesize that a tooth moves in the
curve of tooth movement into 4 phases. periodontal space by generating a pressure side and a
tension side.
Cellular and tissue reactions start in the initial phase of
tooth movement, immediately after force application.
Because of the compression and stretch of fibers and cells
in PDL pressure and tension areas, respectively, the
complex process of recruitment of osteoclast and
osteoblast progenitors, as well as extravasation and
chemo attraction of inflammatory cells, begins.

In the second phase, in areas of compression

disruption in blood flow occurs which leads to the
development of hyalinized areas and the arrest of tooth
movement, which can last from 4 to 20 days. Only removal
of necrotic tissue and bone resorption from adjacent
marrow spaces (indirect resorption) and from the direction
of the viable PDL (undermining resorption) allow the Fig.2. Picture showing the areas of compression
resumption of tooth movement.

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This hypothesis explained that, on the pressure side, 3. The bone-bending theory
the PDL displays disorganization and diminution of fiber
20
production. Here, cell replication decreases seemingly due Farrar was the first to suggest, in 1888, that alveolar
to vascular constriction. On the tension side, stimulation bone bending plays a pivotal role in orthodontic tooth
produced by stretching of PDL fiber bundles results in an movement. According to these authors, when an
increase in cell replication. This enhanced proliferative orthodontic appliance is activated, forces delivered to the
activity leads eventually to an increase in fiber tooth are transmitted to all tissues near force application.
17
production. These forces bend bone, tooth, and the solid structures of
the PDL. Bone was found to be more elastic than the other
The theory proposes that force-subjected PDL tissues and to bend far more readily in response to force
progenitor cells differentiate into compression-associated application.
osteoclasts and tension-associated osteoblasts, causing
bone resorption and apposition, respectively. The width Bioelectric signals in orthodontic tooth movement
21
changes in the PDL cause changes in cell population and In 1962, Bassett and Becker proposed that, in
increases in cellular activity. response to applied mechanical forces, there is generation
of electric potentials in the stressed tissues. These
Inflammation might be at least partly responsible for potentials might charge macromolecules that interact with
cellular recruitment and tissue remodeling in areas of force specific sites in cell membranes or mobilize ions across
application. This process might in turn lead to frontal cell membranes.
resorption (where osteoclasts line up in the margin of the
alveolar bone adjacent to the compressed PDL, producing The concave side of orthodontically treated bone is
direct bone resorption) and undermining resorption. electronegative and favors osteoblastic activity, whereas
the areas of positivity or electrical neutralityconvex
The third phase of bone remodeling consists of loss of surfacesshowed elevated osteoclastic activity. (Fig.3)
bone mass at PDL pressure areas and apposition at
18
tension areas. This succession of events formed the
central theme of the pressure-tension hypothesis.

Flaws in pressure tension theory

However, there are two major conceptual problems
associated with the hypothesis. First, does stretching of
the principal fibre bundles generate tension and second,
can differential pressures be developed within the tissues
of the periodontium.

2. Fuid Dynamic theory

19
Given by Bien in 1966 also called blood flow theory
of tooth movement occurs as a result of alterations in fluid
dynamics in periodontal ligament. Peridontal space is a
confined space and passage of fluid in and out of this
space is limited A hydrodynamic condition is created that
resembles a hydraulic mechanism and a shock absorber.
On application of force squeeze film effect results. This
results in reduced oxygen level on the compression side, Fig.3. Bone Bend theory
escaping of blood gases into interstitial fluid creating a
favorable environment for resorption.
Taken together, these findings suggest that bioelectric
responses (piezoelectricity and streaming potentials)
propagated by bone bending incident to orthodontic force
application might function as pivotal cellular first
messengers.

Piezoelectricity

Piezoelectricity is a phenomenon observed in many

crystalline materials, in which a deformation of a crystal
structure produces a flow of electric current as electrons
are displaced from one part of the lattice to another. Apart

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from inorganic crystals, it was found that organic crystals Various signaling molecules and metabolites in
could also exhibit piezoelectricity. orthodontic tooth movement

The two unusual properties of piezoelectricity, which The acute inflammatory process that typifies the initial
seem to not correlate well with orthodontic tooth phase of orthodontic tooth movement is predominantly
movement are (1) a quick decay rate, where the electron exudative, in which plasma and leukocytes leave the
transfer from one area to another after force application capillaries in areas of paradental strain. A day or 2 later,
reverts back when the force is removed, which does not or the acute phase of inflammation subsides and is replaced
should not happen once orthodontic treatment is over; and by a chronic process that is mainly proliferative, involving
(2) production of an equivalent signal in the opposite fibroblasts, endothelial cells, osteoblasts, and alveolar
8
direction upon force removal. (Fig.4) bone marrow cells. During this period, leukocytes continue
to migrate into the strained paradental tissues and
modulate the remodeling process.

Chronic inflammation prevails until the next clinical

appointment, when the orthodontist activates the tooth-
moving appliance, thereby starting another period of acute
inflammation, superimposing it on the ongoing chronic
inflammation.

For the patient, the periods of acute inflammation are

associated with painful sensations and reduced function
(chewing). A reflection of these phenomena can be found
in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of moving teeth,
where significant elevations in the concentrations of
inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and
24-26
prostaglandins, occur temporally.

Prostaglandins as mediators of orthodontic tooth

movement
Fig.4. Piezzoelectric signals
Prostaglandins are a group of chemical messengers
belonging to a family of hormones called
22, 23 eicosanoids(derived from arachidonic acid). They have
Davidovitch et al., suggested recently that
reported a direct action of prostaglandins on osteoclasts in
piezoelectric potentials result from distortion of fixed
increasing their numbers and their capacity to form a
structures of the periodontiumcollagen, hydroxyapatite,
ruffled border and effect bone resorption. Like other bone-
or bone cell surface. But in hydrated tissues, streaming
resorbing agents, PGE2 also stimulates osteoblastic cell
potentials (the electrokinetic effects that arise when the
differentiation and new bone formation, coupling bone
electrical double layer overlying a charged surface is
resorption in vitro.
displaced) predominate as the interstitial fluid moves.
They further reported that mechanical perturbations of
Leukotrienes
about one minute per day are apparently sufficient to
cause an osteogenic response, perhaps due to matrix
Leukotrienes(LTs) are also metabolites of arachidonic
proteoglycan related strain memory.
acid and are potent stimulators of bone resorption(Meghji
27
et al 1988). Within minutes, as paradental tissues
become progressively strained by applied forces, the cells
are subjected to other first messengers, the products of
cells of the immune and the nervous systems. The binding
of these signal molecules to cell membrane receptors
leads to enzymatic conversion of cytoplasmic ATP and
GTP into adenosine 3, 5-monophosphate (cyclic AMP
[cAMP]), and guanosine 3, 5-monophosphte (cyclic GMP
[cGMP]), respectively. These latter molecules are known
28
as intracellular second messengers.

The first messenger (a hormone or another

stimulating agent) binds to a specific receptor on the cell
membrane and produces an intracellular chemical second

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messenger. This second messenger then interacts with 2. Transduction of mechanical strain into
cellular enzymes, evoking a response, such as protein biochemical signal
synthesis or glycogen breakdown.
Applied mechanical forces are transduced from the
Two main second-messenger systems are now strained extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton
recognized through cell surface proteins. The ECM molecules
involved in this process include collagen, proteoglycans,
1. The cyclic nucleotide pathway and the laminin, and fibronectin. The transduction occurs by ECM
76
2. Phosphatidyl inositol (PI) dual signaling system. binding to cell adhesion molecules (integrins) and other
cell surface receptors. Adhesion of the ECM to these
These systems mobilize internal calcium stores and receptors can induce reorganization of the cytoskeleton,
activate protein kinase C, respectively. The activation of secretion of stored cytokines, ribosomal activation, and
specific protein kinases, together with an increase in gene transcription.
intracellular calcium concentrations, might trigger a
number of protein phosphorylation events, eventually Current concepts
leading to a cellular response. This response might
comprise motility, contraction, proliferation, synthesis, and Of the 3 components of the cytoskeleton
28
secretion. microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments
microfilaments are best suited to detect these changes.
Vitamin D and Diacylglycerol The major subunit protein of microfilaments is actin.

Another agent that has been identified as an important A family of integral proteins know as integrins, which
factor in orthodontic tooth movement is 1, 25, are present on the cell membrane, connect the cytoplasm
29,30
dehydroxychloecalciferol (1, 25, DHCC). This agent is and nucleus to the ECM.
a biologically active form of vitamin D and has a potent
role in calcium homeostasis. The integrins bind to fibronectin extracellularly and talin
intracellularly, to provide a signal transduction pathway. A
The latter molecule has been shown to be a potent recent study identified expressions of integrins (specifically
stimulator of bone resorption by inducing differentiation of V3 subunit) in osteoclasts associated with bone
osteoclasts from their precursors. In addition to bone- resorption and in odontoclasts associated with root
resorbing activity, 1, 25 DHCC is known to stimulate bone resorption and in epithelial cell rests of Malassez in the
32
mineralization and osteoblastic cell differentiation in a PDL. (Fig.5)
31
dose-dependent manner.
Translation of mechanical strain into biological signal
The local applications of 1,25(OH)2D3 could enhance
the reestablishment of dental supporting tissues, Regardless of how a mechanical signal is received, it must
84
especially alveolar bone, after orthodontic treatment. somehow influence the biochemical machinery of the cell.
In the signaling cascade process, receptor activation is
Evidently, increasing its concentration around followed by second-messenger generation (adenosine
paradental cells while they are subjected to orthodontic 3',5' cyclic monophosphate [cAMP] and inositol
forces can evoke synergistic reactions by the cells, leading trisphosphate [IP3] ). These advance the signal to the
to rapid tooth movement. nucleus through a series of kinases. In the nucleus,
different second messengers account for the differential
Mechanotransduction pattern of immediate early gene (lEG) expression. lEGs
are among the earliest responses that can be measured at
Involves two events the transcription level. These can produce either cellular
33
1. Detection of mechanical strain by bone cells proliferation or differentiation.
2. Transduction of mechanical strain into
biochemical signal Different signalling molecules involved in load
induced remodeling
1. Detection of mechanical strain by bone cells
Neurotransmitters
After an orthodontic force is applied, the initial step is
the detection of a mechanical strain. The cells responsible Leucocytes, other PDL cell types, including
for sensing mechanical strains in bone have been osteoblasts, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, endothelial cells,
considered to be osteoblasts, osteocytes, or both. These and platelets, can also synthesize and secrete the
cells sense the strain in different ways which include neurotransmitter molecules. The products of these cells
streaming potential, strain sensitive ion channels and can be classified into different categories, such as
cytoskeleton reorganization. cytokines, growth factors, and colony-stimulating factors.
Each of these ligands might act in an autocrine or a
paracrine fashion, causing activation of target cells.
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Fig.5 (From Murray C. Meikle 2006, The tissue, cellular, and molecular regulation of orthodontic tooth
movement: 100 years after Carl Sandstedt, The European Journal of Orthodontics.Murray C MeikleEur J Orthod
2006;28:221-240)

Pain and tooth movement involved in this remodeling process. In the bone system,
RANKL is expressed on osteoblast cell lineage and exerts
Tooth movement-associated tissue remodeling, an its effect by binding the RANK receptor on osteoclast
inflammatory process, might induce painful sensations, lineage cells. This binding leads to rapid differentiation of
particularly after activation of the orthodontic appliance. hematopoietic osteoclast precursors to mature
After 24 hours of force application, C-fos (immunoreactive osteoclasts.
neurons known to be involved in transmission of
nociceptive information) expression is noted ipsilaterally in OPG is a decoy receptor produced by osteoblastic
the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis and bilaterally in the cells, which compete with RANK for RANKL binding. The
lateral parabranchial nucleus. biologic effects of OPG on bone cells include inhibition of
terminal stages of osteoclast differentiation, suppression of
Thus, there appears to be an indirect nociceptive activation of matrix osteoclasts, and induction of
mechanism operating during tooth movement that evokes apoptosis. Thus, bone remodeling is controlled by a
a delayed and continuous nociceptive response, which is balance between RANK-RANKL binding and OPG
expected to limit masticatory function during active tooth production. (Fig.6)
34
movement.
M-CSF (CSF-1) acts directly on osteoclast precursor
Role of cytokines in the RANKL/RANK/OPG system cells to control their proliferation and differentiation.
Stimulators of bone resorption such as 1,25(OH)2 vitamin
The role of cytokines in the RANKL/RANK/OPG system D3, parathyroid hormone, and interleukin-1 increase
35
in inducing bone remodeling was demonstrated recently. osteoclast formation by stimulating the expression of
The TNF-related ligand RANKL (receptor activator of RANKL by osteoblasts/stromal cells (Fig.6)
nuclear factor-Kappa ligand) and its 2 receptors, RANK
and osteoprotegrin (OPG), have been shown to be

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Recent reports proposed a role for nitric oxide as a
marker of vascular signal transduction during the initial
37-39
state of orthodontic tooth movement. Nitric oxide is
produced by various cells and is present in blood vessels,
nerves, and PDL fibroblasts. This molecule has been
reported to take part in bone remodeling and in the
regulation of blood vessels and nerves.

The factors, systemic and local, affecting the

remodeling process are listed in the Table II.

Pathways of tooth movement

On the basis of research in basic biology and clinical

18
observations, Mostafa et al., proposed an integrated
hypothetical model for tooth movement. This model
consists of 2 pathwaysI and IIthat work concurrently to
Fig.6(From Murray C. Meikle 2006, The tissue, induce tooth movement.
cellular, and molecular regulation of orthodontic
tooth movement: 100 years after Carl Sandstedt, According to these authors, pathway I represents the
The European Journal of Orthodontics.Murray C more physiologic response, because it is usually
Meikle Eur J Orthod 2006;28:221-240) associated with normal bone growth and remodeling,
whereas pathway II represents the generation of a local
inflammatory response by orthodontic forces.
Genetic mechanisms
Pathway I
Mechanical activation of bone cells is linked to many
genes, which produce various enzymes, such as In pathway I, orthodontic force creates vectors of
glutamate/aspartate transporter, inducible nitric oxide pressure and tension, leading to bone bending, generation
synthase, and prostaglandin G/H synthetase. of tissue bioelectric polarization, and subsequent bone
remodeling. With the circumstantial evidence of
In-situ hybridization under conditions of physiologic prostaglandin synthesis, and with the evoked electric
tooth movement in rats showed site-specific expression of 18
signals, Mostafa et al., stated that these phenomena,
mRNA for osteonectin, osteocalcin, and osteopontin. along with membrane electrical polarization by
Osteoclast and osteoblast progenitor cells had positive piezoelectric processes, act on the cell surface cyclic
signals for osteonectin and osteocalcin. Osteopontin was nucleotide pathway, generating changes in the levels of
expressed in osteoblasts and adjacent osteocytes along intracellular second messengers. This effect, in turn, leads
36
bone-resorbing surfaces. According to the investigators, to alterations in cell proliferation, differentiation, and
the primary responses to osteogenic loading are induction activation.
of differentiation and increased cell function, rather than an
increase in cell numbers. Pathway II

Orthodontic force-induced system adaptation occurs in The alternative pathway proposed by Mostafa et al.,
18

the context of five related microstructures: PDL and attributes orthodontic tooth movement to a classic
alveolar bone ECM, cell membrane, cytoskeleton, matrix inflammatory response after force application.
of nuclear proteins, and genome. Orthodontic force causes Lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages invade these
physical distortion of PDL and alveolar bone cells and the tissues, enhancing prostaglandin release and hydrolytic
ECM, triggering many biochemical reaction cascades that enzyme secretion. The local elevation in prostaglandins
affect all 5 micro-entities. ECM and cell distortion initiate and a subsequent increase in cellular cAMP
structural and functional changes in extracellular, cell concentrations increase osteoclast activity. Secreted
membrane, and cytoskeletal proteins. hydrolytic enzymes, such as collagenase, dissolve the
mechanically strained ECM.
Cytoplasmic signaling proteins Hh, sonic hedgehog,
the TGF superfamily, and many TFs and ions (Ca, PO3) Recent model
reach the nuclear matrix and then genome, resulting in
enhanced or suppressed gene expression. Input becomes Recent reports by Jones et al
40,41
detailed events in
output as gene-expressed proteins, or protein synthesis bone cells immediately after the application of mechanical
inhibition, mobilize mitosis, cell motility, secretion of other stress. That report is based on the assumption that
proteins, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) that stresses in any form either compressive, tensile, or shear
further modify cytoskeleton, cell membrane, and ECM. will evoke many reactions in the cell, leading to the
The process is continuous. development of strain.
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Table.2. Factors affecting bone-remodeling process

Polypeptides
Parathyroid hormones
Calcitonin
Insulin
Growth hormone These are basically responsible for
Hormones
Steroid Bone homeostasis
1,25, dihydroxy vitamin D3
Glucocorticoids
Sex steroids
Thyroid hormones

These three are involved in many

Insulin-like growth factors I and II biologic activities, including cell
Transforming growth factor growth, differentiation, and
Fibroblast growth factor apoptosis, as well as in
developmental processes and bone
remodeling.
Growth factors This is important in the process of
Platelet derived growth factor mitogenesis in bone cells.

It stimulates proliferation of
osteoblast precursors, and
Connective tissue growth factors
promotes mineralization of new
bone by osteoblasts
Bone resorption Bone Apposition

Interleukin-1 Interleukin-4
Interleukin-6 Interleukin-13
They interact with the other factors
Cytokines Interleukin-11 Interleukin-18
in bone remodeling.
Tumor necrosis factor Interferon-
Osteoclast Osteoprotegrin
differentiating factor

M-CSF These have implication in bone

G-CSF remodeling through osteoclast
Colony-
GM-CSF formation and thereby during tooth
stimulating
movement
factors
Prostaglandins
These two are involved in bone
Leukotriens
resorption
Others Nitric oxide involved in bone Remodeling

The sequence of events after the application of Adhesion of circulating leukocyte to activated
mechanical forces with the help of orthodontic appliances endothelial cells.
can thus be outlined as: Plasma extravasation from dilated blood vessels.
Migration by diapedesis of leukocytes into the
Movement of PDL fluids from areas of compression extravascular space.
into areas of tension. Synthesis and release of signal molecules (cytokines,
A gradual development of strain in cells and ECM in growth factors, and CSFs) by the leukocytes that have
involved paradental tissues. migrated into the strained paradental tissues.
Direct transduction of mechanical forces to the nucleus Interaction of various types of paradental cells with the
of strained cells through the cytoskeleton, leading to signal molecules released by the migratory leukocytes.
activation of specific genes. Activation of the cells to participate in the modeling and
Release of neuropeptides (nociceptive and vasoactive) remodeling of the paradental tissues.
from paradental afferent nerve endings.
Interaction of vasoactive neuropeptides with
endothelial cells in strained paradental tissues.
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Fig. 7. Pathways of Orthodontic Tooth movment.

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Biomarkers of bone remodeling in gingival crevicular Typical intermittent forces act as either an impulse or a
fluid shock of short duration, or for short periods with a series of
interruptions. These forces are mainly produced by
GCF arises at the gingival margin and can variously removable appliances, which deliver force periodically.
be described as a transudate or an exudate. The total fluid Examples of such a system are springs resting on tooth
flow is between 0.5 and 2.4 mL per day. Recent studies in surfaces. Intermittent force results in small compression
orthodontic tooth movement have used GCF because of zones in the PDL, short hyalinization periods, and lengthy
its noninvasive nature and ease of repetitive sampling rest periods when the appliance is removed intermittently.
from the same site with the help of platinum loops, filter During this time, the tooth moves back to the tension side
paper strips, gingival washings, and micro pipettes. and remains in normal function. This mode of treatment
can improve the paradental circulation and promote an
The fluid is used to analyze various biochemical increase in the number of PDL cells, because its fibers
markers such as prostaglandin production and the action usually retain a functional arrangement.
of various extracellular and intracellular factors, such as
IL-1, IL-6, TNF-, epidermal growth factors, 2
microglobulin, cathepsin, aspartate aminotransferease,
alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase.

Tissue reactions with varied force applications

Orthodontics is based on application of force on the

teeth, under the influence of which tooth movement
occurs. The duration and character of force have great
influence in orthodontic mechanotherapy, alterations in
which can produce varied tissue reactions.

Continuous, Interrupted, and Intermittent forces

Most contemporary fixed orthodontic appliances use

light continuous forces as part of orthodontic
mechanotherapy to effect tooth movement. However, a
continuous force can subside rapidly and thus be
interrupted after a limited period of time, such as in
torquing movements by an edgewise archwire or labial
movement of blocked-out maxillary lateral incisor with the
help of ligation. It is not always possible to distinguish
between continuous and interrupted movements, and the
latter act for only comparatively short periods.

Nevertheless, it appears that this kind of a force, that

starts in a continuous mode and then becomes
interrupted, is biologically favorable, particularly when its
initial magnitude is low. In such a case, hyalinized zones
might develop in sites of compressed PDL, but, as soon as
this necrotic tissue is eliminated and the tooth moves, the
force decreases quickly. Finally, the archwire retains its
passivity for a while, during which time (rest period) there Fig.8. Diagrammatic representation of force decay.
will be an opportunity for calcification of the newly formed
osteoid layer.

This rest period between appliance activations is the Duration of Clinical application
time used by the tissues for reorganization. This rest can
promote favorable cell proliferation for further tissue Clinical experience suggests that successful tooth
changes when the appliance is activated again. The movement requires a threshold of force duration of about 6
characteristic feature of continuous/interrupted tooth hours per day. It was determined in an experiment on cats
movement is formation of new bone layers in the richly that it takes about 3 hours for significant elevations in
cellular tissue at the entrance of open marrow spaces as cAMP in extracts of alveolar bone and PDL, after
soon as the tooth movement stops. sustained applications of tipping forces to the maxillary
42
canines.

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Review article Annals and Essences of Dentistry
molars and the canines. In the mandibular arch, the most
44,45
prone teeth are the lateral and central incisors. Some
repair occurs, including smoothing and remodeling of
cemental surfaces and the return of the PDL width to
normal. Original root contours and lengths are never
reestablished, but the function of the tooth apparatus is
usually not severely affected by the loss of root length.

Pulpal reactions

Various experiments have demonstrated an initial

decrease in blood flow, lasting approximately 32 minutes,
followed by an increase in blood flow (lasting 48 hours). It
may lead to congested and dilated blood vessels, and
edema of pulpal tissue in their histologic observations. The
progression of the inflammatory process in human pulp
fibroblasts apparently depends on stimulation by
Fig.9.Theoretical plot of tooth movement efficiency
versus duration of force in hours per day. Continuous neuropeptides and production of inflammatory cytokines,
force, 24 hours per day, produces the most efficient such as IL-1, IL-3, IL-6, and TNF.
tooth movement, but successful tooth movement can
be produced by shorter durations, with a threshold at A recent report described apoptosis in dental pulp
46
about 6 hours. tissues of rats undergoing orthodontic treatment.
47
Perinetti et al demonstrated that an enzyme, aspartate
aminotransferase (which is released extracellularly upon
cell death), is significantly elevated after orthodontic force
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ORTHODONTIC FORCE
application.

The deleterious effects include caries, gingivitis, marginal The other deleterious effects include
bone loss, pulpal reactions, root resorption, and allergic
Pain
reactions to appliance materials. Can be classified as
Allergic reactions
Mobility
Gingival problems
Root resorption Alveolar bone height
Pulpal reactions
Pain
Gingival problems
If appropriate force (not heavy) is applied, the patient
Fixed-appliance orthodontics has been shown to feels little pain or nothing immediately. However pain
produce deleterious effects on the periodontium, ranging develops after several hours. The patient feels mild aching
from gingivitis to bone loss. The cementation of sensation and the teeth are quite sensitive to pressure.The
orthodontic bands or resin-bonded attachments can evoke pain usually lasts for 2 4 days and disappears until the
local soft tissue response. This response is mainly due to appliance is reactivated. For most of the patients, the pain
plaque accumulation and the proximity of these associated with the initial activation of the appliance is
attachments to the gingival sulcus. Another long-term most severe. Pain is due to the development of ischemic
complication of orthodontic treatment is gingival recession. areas in the PDL.The pain is directly proportional to the
The bacterial plaque was composed mainly of spirochetes area of PDL that has undergone sterile necrosis
and motile rods. (hyalinization). So heavier forces produce larger areas of
hyalinization and greater pain. Pain can be managed
48
Root resorption using analgesics like acetaminophen.

Allergic reaction
Orthodontic force application can sometimes evoke
excessive resorption of root cementum, proceeding into
the dentin, eventually shortening the root lengtha Some patients may develop allergic reactions to
process called root resorption. stainless steel which contains nickel. Allergic reactions
manifest as widespread erythema and swelling of oral
The magnitude of an orthodontic force and rigid tissue which develops 1 2 days after starting the
fixation of the archwire to the brackets could be treatment . In such patients, stainless steel appliances
considered the most important factors predisposing a tooth (brackets, bands, wires etc) should be substituted with
43
to the root resorption. Maxillary central incisors, are the titanium appliances and nickel titanium or steel wires
49
most prone to the process, followed by the maxillary should be substituted with beta titanium.

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Review article Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Mobility
CONCLUSION
Mobility is due to widening of PDL space during
orthodontic treatment and temporary disorganization of the After 100 years, we have reasonably good
fibers in the PDL. Moderate increase in mobility is an understanding of the sequence of events involved in
expected response of orthodontic treatment. Heavier orthodontic tooth movement at the tissue and cellular
Force causes greater degree of undermining resorption levels on both the tensile and compression sides of the
which leads to excessive mobility. periodontium.

Excessive mobility indicates that there is heavy force Rapid advances in all biological fields have enabled us
acting on the tooth. If the tooth becomes extremely mobile, to better understand the mechanisms involved in
force should be discontinued until the mobility decreases orthodontic tooth movement. It is evident that, at different
to moderate levels. Excessive mobility will usually correct stages of tooth movement, different combinations of cell-
itself without permanent damage. cell and cell-matrix interactions occur; these determine the
nature of the remodeling changes.
Effect on alveolar bone height:
A better understanding of the relationship between
Excessive loss of crestal bone height is almost never genes and transcription factors in controlling bone and
seen as a complication of orthodontic tooth movement. PDL remodeling will expand our knowledge, and might
Loss of alveolar crest height in one large series of patients strengthen our clinical capabilities.
averaged less than 0.5mm and almost never exceeded
50
1mm, with the greatest changes at extraction site. Above all, this growing body of knowledge on the
response of our cells to mechanical loads should
Post treatment changes in periodontium. illuminate useful paths in clinical orthodontics and assist
us in identifying and discarding harmful methods of
Orthodontic forces are known to produce pressure and mechanotherapy.
tension regions in the PDL and alveolar bone. This strain
alters the affected tissues vascularity and blood flow, This ongoing development will move orthodontics closer
providing a favorable microenvironment for either tissue to the goal of being optimal, where teeth are moved
deposition or resorption. efficiently, without causing discomfort to the patient or
damage to the teeth and their supporting tissues. Future
During the recovery period, the return of periodontal orthodontics will, therefore, increasingly become
dimensions to normal values is regulated by the rate and biologically correct and, consequently, patient-friendly.
51
direction of alveolar bone turnover. Capability of adaptive
response to applied orthodontic force rests in the DNA of
periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone cells.

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Review article Annals and Essences of Dentistry

Orthopedics. 2004 May 31;125(5):615-23.

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Corresponding Author

Dr. Sivareddy Rohit Reddy

Post Graduate student
Department of Orthodontics,
Narayana Dental College and Hospital,
Nellore.
Email: [email protected]

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