Bisphosphonates and orthodontics: Clinical implications.

most orthodontic practices, they present a number of challenges, not all of which are related to malocclusions. For example, the oral administration of bisphosphonates is rising dramatically in the form of anti-osteoporosis medications, especially in women. Osteonecrosis of the jaws has been associated with intravenous administration of bisphosphonates, and there are also reports of oral lesions from “chronic” oral bisphosphonate use.1 Although many of these cases were associated with dental extractions or mucosal trauma, some of the lesions seem to have appeared spontaneously.2 This article is a brief review of the pharmacology of bisphosphonates and their potential impact on orthodontic patients.