Medication effects on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic literature review

Introduction: Recently, several reviews have been published on the effects of medications on bone physiology and the clinical side effects in orthodontics. However, the effects of medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement have not been evaluated. Methods: A systematic literature review on the effects of medications and dietary supplements on the rate of experimental tooth movement was performed by using PubMed (1953-Oct 2007), Web of Science, and Biosis, complemented by a hand search. Results: Forty-nine articles were included in the review, but their interpretation was hindered by the variability in experimental design, magnitude of force applied during tooth movement, and medication regimens. Therapeutic administration of eicosanoids resulted in increased tooth movement, whereas their blocking led to a decrease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decreased tooth movement, but non-NSAID analgesics, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), had no effect. Corticosteroid hormones, parathyroid hormone, and thyroxin have all been shown to increase tooth movement. Estrogens probably reduce tooth movement, although no direct evidence is available. Vitamin D3 stimulates tooth movement, and dietary calcium seemed to reduce it. Bisphosphonates had a strong inhibitory effect. Conclusions: Medications might have an important influence on the rate of tooth movement, and information on their consumption is essential to adequately discuss treatment planning with patients. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2009; 135:16-26)