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Role of Stem Cells in Orthodontics: A Review

  • Dr. Shubhangi ManiProfessor
  • Dr. Ravindra ManerikarPrincipal and Professor
  • Dr. Yash GoenkaP.G. Student

Department of Orthodontics, Rural Dental College, PIMS (DU), Loni. Maharashtra

Guident · Volume 17, Issue 1 (December 2023)Published December 20237 min read

ABSTRACT

The role of stem cells in orthodontics is an emerging field of research with promising potential for clinical applications. Stem cells, particularly those derived from the periodontal ligament and other oral tissues, have shown significant potential in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Stem cells are involved in various molecular and cellular changes underlying orthodontic forces. They have been used to regenerate hard tissue, such as in the treatment of alveolar cleft, and soft tissue, such as in the treatment of hemifacial macrosomia. Furthermore, stem cells have been used to reconstruct impaired temporomandibular joints and regenerate bone following distraction osteogenesis of mandibular bone or maxillary expansion.1 In addition, stem cells have shown potential in the regeneration of infrabony alveolar defects, allowing for the movement of teeth into regenerated areas.1 They also play a crucial role in maintaining periodontal homeostasis and participate in orthodontic tooth movement.3 Moreover, stem cells have been used for the repair of alveolar defects, reduction of defect size, and lessening postoperative morbidity, thereby helping teeth to erupt in their proper position.4 In conclusion, the role of stem cells in orthodontics is multifaceted and holds great promise for future applications in clinical orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.12

INTRODUCTION

Orthodontic tooth movement is a complex process that involves the remodeling of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone. This process is induced by mechanical forces and is promoted by the remodeling of the PDL and alveolar bone. Periodontal ligament stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining periodontal homeostasis and also participate in orthodontic tooth movement.

PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT STEM CELLS IN ORTHODONTIC TOOTH MOVEMENT

Periodontal ligament stem cells possess self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and immunomodulatory properties. They are likely sensitive to mechanical loading and play critical roles in periodontal and osseous remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. The role of these stem cells in responding to orthodontic force during tooth movement has been confirmed. Recent advances have also clarified that the applied mechanical force, including tension, compression, and vibration, can significantly regulate the proliferation and differentiation of cultured periodontal ligament stem cells.

Another essential feature of periodontal ligament stem cells is their immunomodulatory activities, which are executed through cytokine (e.g., TNF-α and IL-1β)-induced production of various soluble immunomediators (e.g., indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1, tumor necrosis factor-inducible gene 6 protein, prostaglandin E 2) and direct cell-to-cell contact (e.g., programmed cell death ligand 1, programmed cell death ligand 2). These immunomodulatory abilities are essential for local periodontal tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPES OF STEM CELLS

Stem cells have been identified as a promising tool in the field of orthodontics. They are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple functional cell types. This review article provides new insights into understanding the role of stem cells in orthodontics. Stem cells are classified according to their characteristics into totipotency, pluripotency, and multipotency. Totipotent stem cells can produce all types of cells as well as germ cells or Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs), which are also named omnipotent. Stem cells therapy represents a branch of a wider base which is known by tissue engineering that contains different approaches such as cell injection, cell induction, and cell seeded scaffold.

DENTAL PULP STEM CELLS

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of stem cell that is especially relevant to orthodontics. These cells can be isolated and differentiated, providing a potential source for biomaterials used in craniofacial tissue regeneration. The applications of DPSCs and the future advantages of stem cell therapy in orthodontics are currently being explored.

STEM CELLS IN CRANIOFACIAL DEFORMITIES

Stem cells have been applied to regenerate hard tissue (such as treatment of alveolar cleft) and soft tissue (such as treatment of hemifacial macrosomia). Several attempts have been made to reconstruct impaired temporomandibular joint. Also, stem cells with or without bone scaffolds and growth factors have been used to regenerate bone following distraction osteogenesis of mandibular bone or maxillary expansion. Current evidence shows that stem cells also have potential to be used to regenerate infrabony alveolar defects and move the teeth into regenerated areas.

STEM CELLS IN ALVEOLAR DEFECTS

In the case of severe alveolar bone defect, autologous bone grafting has been considered a “gold standard”; however, the procedure has several disadvantages, including limited supply, resorption, donor site morbidity, deformity, infection, and bone graft rejection. In the last few decades, bone tissue engineering combined with stem cell-based therapy may represent a possible alternative to current bone augmentation techniques.

STEM CELLS IN ORTHODONTIC ROOT RESORPTION

Root resorption is a process that can occur in both deciduous and permanent teeth.12 It involves the breakdown or destruction of the dental hard tissues (dentin and cementum) and soft tissues (pulp and periodontal ligament).2 Stem cells, particularly periodontal ligament stem cells (Periodontal ligament stem cells), play a significant role in this process.34

ROLE OF PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT STEM CELLS IN ROOT RESORPTION

Periodontal ligament stem cells are the basis for maintaining a stable periodontal environment and the long-term stability of teeth.4 They are involved in reversing the pathological process of root resorption caused by trauma and infection.4

The periodontal ligament stem cells (Periodontal ligament stem cells) play an important role in the root resorption of deciduous teeth.3 It has been reported that the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) may stimulate the formation of osteoclasts and odontoclasts, while the osteoprotegerin (OPG) regulates osteogenesis.3

STEM CELL-BASED REGENERATION THERAPY

Stem cell-mediated regeneration therapy emerged in the 1990s as part of the modern tissue engineering concept.1 The introduction of such a concept into PDL regeneration appears the most promising direction for salvaging avulsed teeth.1 Utilizing periodontal ligament stem cells (Periodontal ligament stem cells) to regenerate PDL could theoretically prevent or lower the incidence of resorption following tooth replantation, especially when there is extended extraoral time.1

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, stem cells, particularly Periodontal ligament stem cells, play a significant role in tooth movement. They not only contribute to the remodeling of periodontal tissues but also modulate the immune response during this process. Further understanding of the mechanical response of Periodontal ligament stem cells and the cellular signaling pathway involved may help in solving the challenges in orthodontic treatment.12 Stem cells, particularly Periodontal ligament stem cells, play a significant role in root resorption. They contribute to the maintenance of a stable periodontal environment, reverse the pathological process of root resorption, and have potential applications in the treatment of avulsed teeth134 Stem cells, particularly those derived from dental pulp, play a significant role in orthodontics. They contribute to the remodeling of periodontal tissues, modulate the immune response during this process, and have potential applications in the treatment of craniofacial deformities and alveolar defects.,sup>23

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How to cite this article

Dr. Shubhangi Mani, Dr. Ravindra Manerikar, Dr. Yash Goenka. Role of Stem Cells in Orthodontics: A Review. Guident. 2023 Dec;17(1). Available from: https://guident.in/articles/orthodontics/role-of-stem-cells-in-orthodontics-a-review.html

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