Molecular Basis Of Orthodontic Therapy

Molecular biology is a rapidly developing field of science. Advancements in molecular biology have helped various other fields including medicine and dentistry to go molecular. Since the introduction of molecular biology in orthodontics and the identification of genes associated with growth and development the focus has shifted towards a personalized treatment approach. The genes which have been linked to malocclusions and developmental disorders can serve as targets for an individual based treatment. Researchers have also been able to discover the molecules involved in orthodontic tooth movement, thus paving a pathway for modulation of the rate of tooth movement. The field of molecular orthodontics is in its nascent stage. Most of the studies involving gene therapies have been conducted in animal models. Large scale clinical trials are required to develop precise treatment modalities. There is a constant need for further research in this field so that the benefits of this approach can be delivered to the patients in an effective way.