Effects of vitamin D deficiency on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: An animal study

Abstract

Bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) are controlled by certain essential molecules, one of which is vitamin D. Increased levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased rates of OTM. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the rate of OTM, and to determine their association after applying orthodontic forces. Materials and MethodsWistar rats were divided into two groups: control group with average vitamin D levels and experimental group with induced vitamin D deficiency. Orthodontic appliances were fixed to initiate tooth movement. Distance between the reference teeth were measured in millimeters on day zero, and repeated every 7 days, till day 21. ResultsA significant difference within the experimental group was found; as well as within the control group, there was also no significant interaction between time and the type of group. ConclusionThe rate of Orthodontic tooth movement was not affected by induced vitamin D deficiency in rats.