Do analgesics used for the pain experienced after orthodontic procedures affect tooth movement rate? A systematic review based on animal studies

Abstract

Background Using analgesics for a short period to relieve the pain following specific orthodontic procedures is common. Such medications may influence orthodontic tooth movement biochemical pathways; however, the information originating from human studies is limited. Objectives To systematically investigate current evidence from animal experiments on the effect of administering analgesics for a few days, which is consistent with usual clinical practice, on the speed of orthodontic tooth movement. Search methods Eight databases were searched without restrictions, and hand searching was conducted until June 2019. Selection criteria Animal controlled studies assessing the short‐term impact of analgesics that can be consumed for orthodontic pain on the speed of orthodontic tooth movement. Data collection and analysis Subsequent to retrieving relevant studies and information extraction, the SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias Tool was used for risk of bias assessment. Results Finally, seven studies were selected, and most of them were assessed at unclear risk of bias. Short‐term administration of acetaminophen did not affect significantly the speed of tooth movement, while ibuprofen and indomethacin were reported to decrease it. After administering acetylsalicylic acid and celecoxib, the noted effects were inconsistent. The quality of the available evidence for the animal setting was considered as moderate at most. Conclusions Consuming specific analgesics for a few days may influence the speed of orthodontic tooth movement in animals. Clinicians should be aware of the relevant implications and be capable to identify those substances that may not interfere with treatment processes.

Could medications and biologic factors affect post‐orthodontic tooth movement changes? A systematic review of animal studies

“…Pharmaceutical and other substances may have an impact on the signalling processes that are associated with bone remodelling pathways associated with orthodontic tooth movement and relapse phenomena 18,19 . Medicinal administration has been shown to affect tooth movement both in animals and humans 20‐24 . On the basis of the findings of the present review of animal studies, it may be said that the administration of specific substances may have an effect on the rate of relapse.…”

“…18,19 Medicinal administration has been shown to affect tooth movement both in animals and humans. [20][21][22][23][24] On the basis of the findings of the present review of animal studies, it may be said that the administration of specific substances may have an effect on the rate of relapse. Since information concerning the most appropriate retention strategy is still not complete, 52,53 the orthodontist should be knowledgeable about medications and biologic factors that may affect tooth movement in patients who have completed their orthodontic treatment and are in the phase of retention.…”

“…As orthodontic tooth movement can be modulated by any substance administered that can have effects on the molecular pathways involved, 18,19 the potential impact of different medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement has been systematically reviewed previously, and various effects have been shown in animals 20‐23 . Effects in human subjects have also been documented 24,25 .…”

“…[13][14][15][16][17] As orthodontic tooth movement can be modulated by any substance administered that can have effects on the molecular pathways involved, 18,19 the potential impact of different medications on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement has been systematically reviewed previously, and various effects have been shown in animals. [20][21][22][23] Effects in human subjects have also been documented. 24,25 To the best of our knowledge, there has not been any systematic review comprehensively elaborating the potential effect of medications and other biologic factors on the rate of relapse following active orthodontic tooth movement, as the available studies have not managed to identify and appraise all the pertinent information.…”

An evidence‐based review of the scope and potential ethical concerns of teleorthodontics

“…[30][31][32][33] Furthermore, use of medications, such as corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and bisphosphonates, have been shown to compromise orthodontic tooth movement. [34][35][36] Under such circumstances, in-person patient evaluation prior to and during orthodontic therapy may facilitate identification and management of the potential risk factors, and may also help modify the traditional orthodontic treatment plan accordingly.…”