From Biology to Biomechanics: Molecular Advances in Orthodontic Remodeling and Acceleration
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 2
Special Issue Editors
Interests: orthodontics; dentistry; temporomandibular joint; orthodontic biomechanics; orofacial pain; stomatology
2. Unit of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
3. Unit of Dentistry, Research Center for Oral Pathology and Implantology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
Interests: dentistry; orthopedics; biomaterial
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Orthodontic tooth movement is a dynamic process involving finely regulated molecular and cellular events that govern the remodeling of the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and surrounding soft tissues in response to mechanical loading. Over the past decades, increasing integration of molecular biology, omics technologies, and translational research has provided novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tissue adaptation and remodeling in orthodontic therapy.
This Special Issue aims to bring together high-quality contributions that explore the molecular underpinnings of orthodontic biomechanics, root and alveolar bone resorption, soft tissue response, and strategies for treatment acceleration. Particular emphasis will be placed on research linking basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, including biological modulation, surgical adjuncts (such as corticotomy and micro-osteoperforations), and technologies aimed at improving treatment efficiency and predictability.
We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and cutting-edge clinical studies that bridge the gap between fundamental science and contemporary orthodontic practice.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Molecular and cellular pathways involved in orthodontic tooth movement;
- Bone remodeling under mechanical load: osteoclastogenesis, osteoblast activation, and RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling;
- Mechanisms and risk factors of root resorption at the molecular level;
- Inflammatory and immune responses in orthodontic force application;
- Cytokine profiles and molecular biomarkers of treatment progression and stability;
- Gene expression and epigenetic modulation during orthodontic treatment;
- Molecular effects and clinical outcomes of surgical adjuncts: corticotomy, piezocision, and micro-osteoperforation;
- Biomechanical loading and its influence on periodontal ligament cell biology;
- Molecular basis of anchorage control, including skeletal anchorage systems (TADs);
- Soft tissue remodeling and gingival response at the molecular level;
- Pharmacological agents and biological modifiers aimed at modifying orthodontic tooth movement;
- Tissue engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative strategies in orthodontics;
- Comparative molecular and clinical effects of different appliances (e.g., aligners vs. fixed appliances);
- Molecular determinants of relapse and post-treatment stability;
- Clinical–molecular correlation studies in adult and adolescent orthodontic patients.
This Special Issue is targeted at researchers, clinician scientists, and postgraduate specialists in orthodontics, periodontology, oral biology, molecular medicine, and translational dental research.
Dr. Marcin Derwich
Dr. Alessandra Lucchese
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- orthodontic tooth movement
- bone remodeling
- root resorption
- molecular mechanisms
- inflammatory response
- corticotomy-assisted orthodontics
- biomechanics
- periodontal ligament
- cellular signaling
- accelerated orthodontic treatment
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