The role of osteocytes during experimental orthodontic tooth movement: A review

• Exploring how an orthodontic force regulates osteocyte function.
• Osteocytes function as mechano-sensory cells.
• Osteocytes achieve this by directing bone resorption and formation.
• Understanding osteocyte function may have applications in orthodontic treatments.

ObjectiveTo explore the types of orthodontic force-induced mechanical stimuli that regulate osteocyte function.DesignIn orthodontics, a tooth can be moved through the alveolar bone when an appropriate orthodontic force is applied. These mechanical loads stimulate cells within the bone tissue around the tooth. These cellular responses lead to bone resorption on the side of the tooth where the pressure has been applied and bone deposition on the side of the tooth experiencing tension. Recently, osteocytes were identified to function as mechano-sensory cells in bone tissue that direct bone resorption and bone formation. Based on recent literature, the proposed function of osteocytes during orthodontic tooth movement is explored with better understanding.ResultsSeveral stimuli regulating osteocyte function have been highlighted, and their potential roles in events initiating osteocyte sensing of orthodontic force have been explored in detail. The most popular hypotheses for osteocyte response include stress-induced bone matrix deformation/microcrack formation and fluid-flow shear stress.ConclusionsUnderstanding osteocyte function under mechanical stress may have profound implications in future orthodontic treatments.