Growth Factor Targets for Orthodontic Treatments

The use of growth factors to modulate the craniofacial skeleton is poised to become a new avenue of therapy for the orthodontic community. Growth factor actions occur not only directly on cells within bone but may also stimulate other tissues, such as skeletal muscle that can indirectly modify skeletal growth. The interaction of direct and indirect targets that lead to skeletal changes must be recognized to design effective treatment regimens. As an example of this concept, this review will focus on insulin-like growth factor-1; its actions in muscle, bone, and cartilage; and how the interplay among its effects on multiple targets could ultimately modulate craniofacial growth.