How does allergen sensitization affect orthodontic tooth movement associated phenomena? A systematic review of animal studies

Abstract

Background: The immunologic reaction of chronically allergic and asthmatic patients is characterized by systemic imbalances, resulting in an upregulation of mediators that might also be involved in bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement.

Aim: To investigate systematically the literature from animal experiments regarding the effect of allergen sensitization on the phenomena associated with orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: Search without restrictions for published and unpublished literature and hand searching took place. Data on the effect of allergen sensitization on the phenomena associated with orthodontic tooth movement were reviewed. Following study retrieval and selection, relevant data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias Tool. Results: From the initially retrieved records, three studies met the inclusion criteria. During the initial period of tooth movement, the periodontal ligament was more compressed in the stress area and more stretched in the tension area in the sensitized animals. The amount of tooth movement after 14 days of force application was also ii shown to be greater. However, the results regarding root resorption were contradictory. The risk of bias in the retrieved studies was assessed to be unclear.

Conclusions: While the available information is only indirectly related to humans, allergen sensitization might affect the phenomena associated with orthodontic tooth movement.