Mechanism of Alveolar Bone Remodeling During Orthodontic Tooth Movement

During orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), osteoclastic bone resorption is essential for alveolar bone remodeling. Although the differentiation of osteoclasts is well-known to be regulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), the source of RANKL in the periodontal tissue during OTM remains unclear. Based on our recent finding that osteocytes are the major source of RANKL in the periodontal tissue, it has become clear that osteocytes play a crucial role in OTM.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the biological mechanism of orthodontic tooth movement.
• Define the significance of RANKL in osteoclast differentiation.
• Discuss the role of osteocytes in OTM.