Accelaration Effect of Vibration On Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Review of Literature

Orthodontic tooth movement occurs as a result of the external forces transmitted to the periodontium and inflammatory mediators penetrated to the area effected by these external forces which stimulates remodelling of alveolar bone. Because of the increasing number of patients who want to receive orthodontic treatment in every age and the incresing demand for orthodontic treatment in a short time, also side effects of long-term orthodontic treatment like white spot lesion formations, dental caries, periodontal problems and root resorption, certain methods to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement have gained importance. These methods are; invasive surgical methods, noninvasive pharmacological applications and mechanical-physical applications. Although the surgical applications are effective and predictable, post-operative pain, periodontal tissue damage and low patient admissibility have led the researchers to investigate the effects of non-invasive methods. Vibration applications are one of the non-invasive applications that have recently been used to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. Vibration is a noninvasive method which doesnt harm periodontal tissues, which can reduce orthodontic pain and which is comfortable and easy to be applied to the patient so these features increased the importance of this method in orthodontics. In the literature, there are some studies indicating that vibration increases the speed of the tooth movement also there are some studies indicating that it is not effective on accelerating the tooth movement. More studies are needed in the future in order to determine an optimal vibration protocol and to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the effect of vibration on orthodontic tooth movement.