Research Summary

Orthodontics: Nicotine and braces—an unwise combination

Exposure to nicotine can strongly affect both the movement of teeth and the surrounding bone over the course of an orthodontic procedure. The deleterious dental effects of smoking are well understood, but little is known about how nicotine affects the changes that take place when wearing an orthodontic appliance. Researchers led by Christian Kirschneck at Germany’s University Medical Centre of Regensburg have now determined that regular nicotine exposure exerts both positive and negative influences in rats during a multi-week orthodontic treatment. On the one hand, nicotine markedly accelerated the intended goal of tooth movement and reorganization. However, it was also associated with inflammation and bone loss at the roots of the teeth. Accordingly, the researchers conclude that orthodontists should caution their patients regarding the added risks of using tobacco during treatment.