Orthodontic movement using pulsating force-induced piezoelectricity.

P iezoelectricity may be a means of achieving physiologic tooth movement. The generation of piezoelectricity in response to the mechanical deformation of bone has been reported by a number of researchers. l-6 When bone is deformed, there are generated piezoelectric charges which vary directly with the magnitude of the induced stress.6 These charges induce microcurrents to flow through bone and soft tissue’ and may enhance tooth movement by stimulating osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity. The microcurrents flow only during the application or release of stress6 and are not observed where continuous orthodontic forces are used. It is believed that the inducement of piezoelectric charges by the application of pulses of force to teeth can achieve and accelerate osteogenic response. In this study, tooth movement is evaluated as pulsating (intermittent) forces are applied to maxillary molars with the ultimate objective of achieving physiologic tooth movement.