Orthodontic tooth movement: theories and the history of understanding

Abstract

In this study, a literature review was conducted to examine the main hypotheses and theories explaining the mechanism of orthodontic tooth movement. For a long period of time, people have made attempts to explain the nature of the biological process responsible for possibility of artificial tooth displacement. Along with the development of methods of laboratory investigation, more and more facts about the periodontal tissues’ response to exogenous mechanical stimuli have been revealed to the scientific community. This, in turn, led to the formation of many theories and hypotheses to explain the mechanism of orthodontic tooth movement. Although a wealth of information concerning the biological processes occurring during exposure to orthodontic appliances is now known, no one is yet able to describe the exact mechanism that triggers these processes. Current studies focus on several morpho–biological theories of orthodontic tooth movement, which indicates that there is a cognitive interest in this topic among orthodontists.