Influence of bisphosphonates in orthodontic therapy: Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper was to analyse the effects of bisphosphonates and their influence on orthodontic therapy.

DATA/SOURCES: The literature was systematically reviewed using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Ebsco Host, Scirus and Cochrane databases up to December 31, 2008.

STUDY SELECTION: Articles were independently selected by two different researchers based on previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria, finding a good concordance (kappa index of 0.862). The methodological quality of the reviewed papers was assessed. The search strategy identified 205 titles. Thirteen articles were selected after application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and only one of these had a high methodological quality. Bisphosphonate applications in orthodontic therapy were divided between two main groups: tooth movement and skeletal relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical or systemic application of bisphosphonates decreases orthodontic tooth movement and reduces orthodontic tooth movement relapse and skeletal relapse after maxillary expansion or mandibular distraction and similar procedures. Further longer-term studies are required to assess possible adverse effects after bisphosphonate treatment for these purposes.