Biological Mechanisms Underlying Tooth Movement and Tissue Remodeling During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment relies on the biological response of periodontal and alveolar bone tissues to mechanical forces, which induces tooth movement through a process of tissue remodeling. While clinical orthodontics has advanced significantly in terms of appliance design and treatment planning, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive bone resorption and formation, as well as periodontal ligament adaptation, remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and immune cells in mediating the inflammatory and regenerative phases of tooth movement. Moreover, advances in molecular biology and imaging techniques have begun to reveal the complex signaling pathways - such as RANKL/RANK/OPG, Wnt, and BMP - that regulate these processes. A deeper understanding of these biological mechanisms is essential for improving the efficiency, predictability, and safety of orthodontic treatments.

The goal of this Research Topic is to synthesize current knowledge and present new findings on the biological basis of orthodontic tooth movement. Recent advances in genomics, proteomics, and bioengineering offer unprecedented opportunities to decode the complex interactions between mechanical stimuli and biological tissues. This collection seeks to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical orthodontics, ultimately contributing to more personalized, efficient, and biologically grounded treatment strategies. We aim to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue that can inspire innovations in orthodontic therapy and improve patient care.

This Research Topic aims to explore the cellular, molecular, and biomechanical processes that drive tooth movement and tissue remodeling during orthodontic treatment. We welcome papers that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• Molecular signaling pathways involved in bone and periodontal remodeling
• Role of inflammation and immune response in orthodontic tooth movement
• Cellular dynamics of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and periodontal ligament cells
• Influence of mechanical force magnitude, duration, and type on biological response
• Tissue remodeling in special conditions (e.g., accelerated orthodontics, cleft lip/palate, adult vs. adolescent patients)
• Biomarkers and imaging techniques for monitoring tooth movement and tissue change

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Orthodontic tooth movement, Periodontal ligament remodeling, Alveolar bone remodeling, RANKL-RANK-OPG signaling, Inflammation and immune response, Biomechanical force parameters

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.