THEORIES OF TOOTH MOVEMENT

Blood

flow theory by Bein

Force applied alterations in fluid

dynamics .
Bioelectric

Theory:

Piezoelectricity produced when force

applied

 Pressure

Tension theory
When orthodontic force is applied to tooth, it
results in areas of pressure and tension.
Area of periodontium in the direction of tooth
movement is under pressure while the area
opposite is under tension.
Area of pressure
Bone resorption.
Area of tension
Bone deposition

FACTORS AFFECTING TOOTH

MOVEMENT
Type of forces
Amount: Light and Heavy
Duration
Direction
Occlusal function
Age

OPTIMUM ORTHODONTIC FORCE

It is the force which moves teeth most rapidly

in desired direction, with the least possible
damage to tissue and with minimum patient
discomfort.

It is equivalent to capillary pressure which

is 20-26 gm/cm2

FRONTAL AND UNDERMINING

RESORPTION
During

light force bone resorbed is alveolar plate

immediately adjacent to ligament.
Heavy force causes occlusion of vessels in PDL
Hyalinization occurs
Cellularity and fibrous
disorganization disappears
In such case bone resorption occurs in adj
marrow spaces, above and below portion of
hyalinization

HYALINIZATION

It is a form of tissue degeneration

characterized by formation of a clear,
eosinophilic homogenous substance.

This differs from pathologic hyalinization

occuring in Kidneys, Lungs etc which is
irreverisible.

Rectan distinguished various degrees of

hyalinization.
1)
2)

Fully hyalinized with heavy force

Semi hyalinized with light force

Repair occurs in 2-3 weeks or as long as

40 days.

HISTOLOGY OF TOOTH
MOVEMENT
Changes

following application of mild force

Changes

on pressure side
PDL gets compressed 1/3rd of original
thickness.
Increased vascularity
cAMP appear after 4 hrs, the important
element for cellular differentiation
Also prostaglandin E, IL-1,NO increases in
PDL

 Changes in Tension side

BV

in PDL gets stretched

Increased

vascularity causes mobilization of

cells
Osteoid

laid down adjacent to lamina dura.

 Changes

following application of extreme

forces
Crushing

or total compression of PDL.

On pressure side occlusion of BV
PDL deprived of nutrition leading to
hyalinization
Undermining resorption occurs
On tension side PDL gets overstretched,
tearing bv causing ischemia
Hence net increase in osteoclastic activity

PHASES OF TOOTH MOVEMENT

Burstone categorized the stages as

a.
b.
c.

Initial phase
Lag phase
Post lag phase

2 mm
Frontal resorption
Undermining
resorption
1 mm

initial

lag

postlag

 Initial

Phase

Rapid

movement stops
b/w 0.4 - 0.9 mm in weeks time

Lag

phase

Little

or no tooth movement occurs

Formation of hyalinized tissue
Extends for 2-3 wks and sometimes as long
as 10 wks.

 Post

lag phase

Movement

progresses as soon as hyalinized

zone is removed and bone undergoes
resorption.

CHANGES IN OTHER TISSUES

Pulp
Modest

and transient inflammatory response

at the beginning of t/t

Has

no long term significance

Large

force causes abrupt movement which

could severe the bv as they enter

Loss

of vitality may occur

 Root

structure

Similar

to bone, remodelling occurs here

Evidence

has shown that teeth which have

been moved reveals repaired areas of
resorption of both cementum and dentine of
roots.

DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF
ORTHODONTIC FORCES

Pain

Mobility