Biological and psychological factors affecting the sensory and jaw motor responses to orthodontic tooth movement

Abstract

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is associated with an inflammatory response, tooth pain (i.e. orthodontic pain) and changes in dental occlusion. Clinical realms and research evidence suggest that the sensory and jaw motor responses to OTM vary significantly among individuals. While some adjust well to orthodontic procedures, others may not and can experience significant pain or not adjust to occlusal changes. This is of concern, as clinicians cannot anticipate an individual's sensorimotor response to OTM. Converging evidence shows that some psychological states and traits significantly affect the sensorimotor response to OTM and may considerably affect an individual's adaptation to orthodontic or other dental procedures. We performed a topical review to synthesize the available knowledge about the behavioural mechanisms regulating the sensorimotor response to OTM, with the intent of informing orthodontic practitioners and researchers about specific psychological states and traits that should be considered while planning orthodontic treatment. We report on studies focusing on the role of anxiety, pain catastrophising, and somatosensory amplification (i.e. bodily hypervigilance), on sensory and jaw motor responses. Psychological states and traits can significantly affect sensory and jaw motor responses and a patient's adaptation to orthodontic procedures, although large interindividual variability exists. Clinicians can use validated instruments (checklists or questionnaires) to collect information about patients' psychological traits, which can assist in identifying those individuals who may not adjust well to orthodontic procedures. The information included in this manuscript also assists researchers investigating the effect of orthodontic procedures and or/appliances on orthodontic pain.

A narrative review of the effects of vitamin D3 on orthodontic tooth movement: Focus on molecular and cellular mechanisms

“…Additionally, OTM can result in changes in dental occlusion, which is the way the upper and lower teeth come together when biting or chewing (Wang et al., 2023 ). Individual responses to OTM differ markedly, with some patients acclimating smoothly to the process, whereas others might endure considerable discomfort or struggle with the adjustments in bite occlusion (Cioffi, 2023 ).…”

Variables Associated with Jaw Clicking in a South Australian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Poorly adapted occlusion or relapse following orthodontic treatment may predispose patients to bruxism and clenching [10]. This, alongside existing parafunctional habits, can introduce dental rearrangement that is also thought to be a key variable responsible for temporomandibular joint dysfunction with the possibility of jaw clicking [10][11][12].…”