Pharmaceutics for Orthodontic Speed, Anchorage and Retention: How Will Research Translate into Clinic?

Because orthodontic tooth movement is dependent upon osteoclast-mediated resorption of alveolar bone adjacent to the pressure side of tooth roots, biologic control of osteoclasts can be utilized to control tooth movement. Drugs that influence bone cell activity are in development and/or currently being given to patients for treatment of bone disease. Many of these drugs are potentially applicable for control of tooth movement and retention after movement. This presentation will provide current results demonstrating the impact of locally injected drugs for increasing the speed of tooth movement, enhancing orthodontic anchorage during tooth movement, and inhibiting orthodontic relapse after movement. New classes of bone responsive drugs will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the biologic process behind orthodontic tooth movement. 
• Identify medical conditions and pharmaceutics that influence orthodontic treatment outcomes. 
• Recognize the utility of biologic mediators (drugs) for increasing the rate of tooth movement, enhancing orthodontic anchorage, and improving orthodontic retention after treatment.