Enroute through Bone: Biology of Tooth Movement

Abstract

Biology of orthodontic tooth movement has always been an interesting field of orthodontist. Orthodontic tooth movement is divided into different phases and number of theories has been given for it, at present most of them are invalid. Gene-directed protein synthesis, modification and integration form the essence of all life processes, including OTM. Bone adaptation to orthodontic force depends on normal osteoblast and osteoclast genes that correctly express needed proteins at the right time and places. Prostaglandins, cytokines and growth factors play an important role in OTM.