Introduction of Accelerated Tooth Movement by a Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Exposure

The rate of orthodontic tooth movement is mainly determined by the remodeling of tissues surrounding the roots. This indicates the importance of the control of molecular mechanisms regulating cellular behaviors in the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Currently surgical and non-surgical methods for the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement have been developed, and one of the potential non-invasive approaches is low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). LIPUS can improve the rate of bone healing after trauma and fracture and a number of studies have tried to understand its biological effects in regard to the osteoblastic and osteoclastic responses. In this lecture, the introduction of LIPUS has made it possible for orthodontists to accelerate tooth movement and thereby to shorten the duration of orthodontic treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the molecular mechanisms of accelerated orthodontic tooth movement.
• Recognize the effectiveness of LIPUS on orthodontic tooth movement.
• Apply the LIPUS in clinical orthodontic treatment.