The Effects of Drug Intake by Patients on Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Paradental tissue remodeling forms the central theme of orthodontic tooth movement, and optimal responses are achieved with judicious force application. In some patients, the use of medications for various ailments may alter paradental tissue remodeling, either augmenting or decelerating the pace of tooth movement. Most of the reviews carried out have concentrated on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their effect on reducing the velocity of tooth movement. This article reviews data on the effects of systemic diseases on the tooth movement process, with a special emphasis on specific medications used by patients. It is intended to provide a database for referral by orthodontists and other medical specialists, to provide information to control the main and side effects of the drugs on tooth movement. It also emphasizes the importance for orthodontists to obtain a complete list of all the medications being taken by every patient, both before and during the course of orthodontic treatment.