What you need to know about bisphosphonates: an overview and general recommendations for orthodontic treatment

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

For those on bisphosphonates, the response to orthodontic forces should be ascertained before embarking on complex treatment.

Main

Abela S, Chotai M et al. J Orthod 2012; 39: 186–192

The prevalence of bisphosphate therapy for those receiving orthodontic care is only touched on by this paper. Nevertheless, these drugs are prescribed for children with '...osteoporosis, genetic and acquired metabolic bone diseases, heterotopic calcifications in soft tissues, and for hypercalcemia' (Clin Pediatr 2012; DOI: 10.1177/0009922812452118). For those on bisphosphonates, orthodontic treatment should be discontinued if the movement of teeth is sub-optimal, or there is excessive tooth mobility. The latter could be as a consequence of the bisphosphonate increasing the 'vulnerability of the root surface' to resorption. Interestingly, 'topical application' of bisphosphonates may have a role in tooth anchorage and the prevention of orthodontic relapse. As with the topical application of bisphosphonates for implant therapy, safety evaluation is required.