A METHOD TO REGULATE TOOTH MOVEMENT AND SUTURAL EXPANSION IN ORTHODONTICS

At present orthodontic treatment takes substantial amounts of time to complete due to limitations of the biologic remodeling responses to mechanical devices. Additionally, methods to diminish undesirable orthodontic movements (such as anchorage loss) are currently based entirely on mechanical means such as the use of the unpopular headgear. Finally, post-orthodontic retention of teeth is difficult and often results in relapse. Post-treatment stability requires the constant use of retainers to maintain the corrections achieved during treatment. The use of these retainers and ultimate success of treatment is dependent on patient compliance and therefore not under the direct control of the orthodontist.

UCSF investigators have conceived of a novel approach to regulate tooth movement and sutural expansion or stability by utilizing currently available biologically active mediators in a novel way and in a specific combination for local applications. Depending on the combination of agents used, these biological modalities could enhance or reduce rates of tooth movement, and increase the responsiveness of sutures, including those that are relatively mature and ossified, to exogenous forces.

Therefore, the use of a specific agent by the orthodontist would potentially reduce treatment time leading to increased treatment acceptability and substantial savings to the patient and provider. The use of other biological mediators may diminish or negate the use of mechanical devices for anchorage and retention and perhaps enable the practitioner to tailor anchorage to each patient's needs. The greatest advantage of this approach is that these biological agents are relatively inexpensive. Synthetic agents that mimic the effects of these well known agents but have minimal other biological activity may also be designed by molecular modeling for these uses.

If you would like to receive further information about this technology and potential licensing opportunities, please contact:

Sunita Rajdev, Ph.D.
Licensing Officer
(415) 353-4470 phone
(415) 348-1579 fax
Sunita Rajdev

Reference: OTM Case #SF03-030