Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of teeth and jaws.

‍It involves the use of braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances to correct misaligned teeth and improve overall oral health and function. One of the key principles of orthodontics is understanding how teeth move through bone. When an orthodontist applies force to a tooth, it creates pressure on the bone surrounding the tooth. This pressure stimulates the bone to remodel and create new bone tissue, which allows the tooth to move. Orthodontists use a variety of techniques to apply force to teeth in order to move them into the desired position. The amount and direction of the force will depend on the specific needs of the patient.

There are several factors that influence how teeth move through bone.

These factors include the type and amount of force applied, the direction of the force, and the length of time the force is applied. Orthodontists use a variety of techniques to apply force in different directions, depending on the specific needs of the patient. For example, they may use a spring or elastic to apply force to the tooth in a specific direction.

What does the science say?

According to a review article published in the Journal of Dental Research, the movement of teeth through bone is a complex process that is influenced by various factors, including the type and amount of force applied, the direction of the force, and the length of time the force is applied (Kusy and Whitley, "Biological Principles of Orthodontic Tooth Movement," Journal of Dental Research, 2004).

One study found that the direction of the force had a significant impact on the amount of tooth movement that occurred. In this study, applying force in a perpendicular direction to the long axis of the tooth resulted in the greatest amount of tooth movement, while applying force in a parallel direction resulted in the least amount of tooth movement (Bishara et al., "The Influence of Direction of Orthodontic Force on the Amount of Tooth Movement in Primates," American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 1997).

Overall, these studies demonstrate the importance of understanding the various factors that influence tooth movement in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the desired alignment of teeth and jaws in orthodontic treatment.