Expedited Tooth Movement: What is the Case for a Biologic Basis?

Currently there are increasing number of studies that demonstrate that substantial reductions in orthodontic treatment time are achievable. Corticotomies, vibration, laser, electric current and controlled localized injury have been suggested to increase the basal metabolic rate of the hard and soft tissues which then reduces treatment time. The suggested mechanisms to enhance tooth movement seem to have their basis in tissue level histological events. This lecture will outline basic biologic processes that could be altered and thereby be targeted to achieve expedited tooth movement.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the physiologic processes and homeostatic mechanisms in bone.
• Recognize how bone biologic can be altered to produce expedited tooth movement.
• Distinguish purported mechanisms for tooth movement that have a scientific basis and those that do not.