Investigating orthodontic tooth movement: challenges and future directions

Although dental practitioners orthodontically move teeth on a daily basis, questions persist regarding the complex biological mechanisms involved. The importance of knowledge about the mechanobiology of tooth movement is ever-increasing as orthodontics is undergoing a shift from a focus on ‘biomechanics’ to ‘biology’. As in other areas of healthcare, practitioners aspire to provide individualised treatment, as well as potentially accelerate tooth movement and attenuate adverse effects. In vitro and in vivo models of tooth movement research, including those which have been conducted in New Zealand, will be described, with a vision toward future directions.