Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Summary
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics address the diagnosis and management of tooth misalignment and jaw discrepancies. Orthodontics focuses on moving teeth into optimal positions within the alveolar bone, whereas dentofacial orthopaedics guides the growth and development of the jaws and facial skeleton during childhood and adolescence. Together they aim to restore balanced occlusion, improve masticatory function, protect teeth from excessive wear or trauma, and enhance facial aesthetics. Treatment options range from removable or fixed appliances for guiding jaw growth and tooth movement to combined orthodontic–orthognathic surgery in mature patients. Success depends on timing, force application, genetic and environmental factors, and patient compliance. With advances in imaging, skeletal anchorage and computerised planning, clinicians can tailor interventions to individual growth patterns, harnessing both biological potential and mechanical precision. A comprehensive approach considers dental alignment, jaw relationships in three planes, airway health and the dynamic interplay of muscles, bones and soft tissues.
Research from Nature Portfolio
In an in vivo study, osteocytes were identified as the principal source of RANKL driving force-induced alveolar bone remodelling and tooth movement. Conditional deletion of RANKL in osteocytes markedly reduced osteoclast formation and slowed orthodontic displacement, establishing a key molecular link between loading and resorption. In extra-oral appliance therapy, a retrospective analysis of children undergoing maxillary protraction with facemask, expansor and adjunctive ozone or antiseptic treatments found that almost half of patients experienced irritant contact dermatitis at appliance contact points. Skin reactions were more frequent in younger patients and females, and correlated with temporomandibular discomfort, highlighting the need for prophylactic skin care in growth-modification protocols.
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Malocclusion: Any deviation from normal relationship of teeth when the jaws are closed, classified by incisor or molar position.
Dentofacial orthopaedics: Orthodontic discipline concerned with modifying jaw growth and facial skeletal development in growing patients.
Functional appliance: Removable or fixed device that uses muscular forces to stimulate or redirect jaw growth, such as activators or Twin-Block.
Skeletal anchorage: Use of temporary mini-implants or miniplates in bone to provide fixed support for orthodontic force application independent of patient compliance.
RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand): Cytokine produced by osteocytes that promotes osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption under mechanical load.
Osteocyte: Mature bone cell embedded in the mineralised matrix that senses mechanical strain and regulates bone remodelling.
Facemask therapy: Extra-oral protraction appliance applying forward traction to the upper jaw via elastics from a forehead and chin framework.
Intermaxillary elastics: Rubber bands connecting upper and lower appliance components to apply directional orthodontic forces.
References
- Osteocyte regulation of orthodontic force-mediated tooth movement via RANKL expression. Scientific Reports (2017).
- Skin irritation in children undergoing orthodontic facemask therapy. Scientific Reports (2023).
- Dentofacial effects of miniscrew-anchored maxillary protraction on prepubertal children with maxillary deficiency: a randomized controlled trial. Progress in Orthodontics (2023).
- Concept for the Treatment of Class III Anomalies with a Skeletally Anchored Appliance Fabricated in the CAD/CAM Process—The MIRA Appliance. Bioengineering (2023).
- Customized Facial Orthopedics: Proof of Concept for Generating 3D-Printed Extra-Oral Appliance for Early Intervention in Class III Malocclusion. Prosthesis (2024).
About these summaries
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