Effects of vitamin D deficiency on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: An animal study

Saudi Dent J. 2022 Feb;34(2):129-135. doi: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2021.12.008. Epub 2021 Dec 23.

Abstract

Bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) are controlled by certain essential molecules, one of which is vitamin D. Increased levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased rates of OTM. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the rate of OTM, and to determine their association after applying orthodontic forces.

Materials and methods: Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control group with average vitamin D levels and experimental group with induced vitamin D deficiency. Orthodontic appliances were fixed to initiate tooth movement. Distance between the reference teeth were measured in millimeters on day zero, and repeated every 7 days, till day 21.

Results: A significant difference within the experimental group was found; as well as within the control group, there was also no significant interaction between time and the type of group.

Conclusion: The rate of Orthodontic tooth movement was not affected by induced vitamin D deficiency in rats.

Keywords: Animal studies; C, Control; E, experimental; OTM, Orthodontic tooth movement; Orthodontic force; Orthodontic tooth movement; RANKL/OPG ratio, Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand/ Osteoprotegerin ratio; Tooth movement; Vit D, Vitamin D; Vitamin D deficiency; g, grams; male Wistar rats.