A new approach to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement in women: Orthodontic force application after ovulation

Tooth movement occurs as a consequence of periodontal tissue remodeling. The goal of every orthodontist is to investigate better approaches to accelerate tooth movement. Estrogen, by binding with its receptors in periodontal tissue, regulates the remodeling of alveolar bones, promotes bone formation, and inhibits bone resorption. Estrogen secretion in vivo is characterized by a nearly lunar rhythm. The estrogen expression level is low during menstruation and the luteal phase, and reaches the highest at 1-2 days before ovulation. Estrogen physiological fluctuations can cause physiological fluctuations in the serum markers of bone turnover. Therefore, orthodontic therapy should be planned according to the menstrual cycle since tooth movement, under the application of force, is faster during low estrogen levels. In this paper, we propose a hypothesis that application of orthodontic force after each ovulation may promote tooth movement, thereby shortening the course of orthodontic treatment. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.