Resolving differences between animal models for expedited orthodontic tooth movement

Abstract

Objective: To highlight differences in commonly used animal models of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Methods: Narrative review.

Results: A critical review of the literature on animal models has become increasingly important in the last decade as methods to increase the rate of tooth movement have been intensely sought. We provide a review focusing on the rodent and canine models for expedited OTM and describe the challenges in extrapolation of the results to the clinical practice of orthodontics. We review and contrast the two (rodent, canine) most commonly used animal models for OTM. We then describe animal models to study bone adaptation, remodelling and modelling, which are keys events in describing and quantifying OTM.

Conclusions: Understanding the differences between animal models and their adaptation biology as it relates to OTM is key to make valid conclusions. The rodent model can be used to understand the initial phases of tooth movement. Unlike the dog model, the rodent model does not lend itself to understand prolonged adaptation in response to bodily tooth movement. Extrapolation of rate of tooth movement to humans is more challenging from rodent model data.

Keywords: dog; models, animal; orthodontic tooth movement; review; rodent.