NSAID impairment of orthodontic tooth movement.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impairment of orthodontic tooth movement caused by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).


METHODS
Biomedical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1966-January 2000), EMBASE (1980-January 2000), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-January 2000). Key search terms included NSAIDs, orthodontics, and tooth movement.


RESULTS
Orthodontic dentistry applies mechanical force to generate tooth movement. Since prostaglandins are mediators of tooth movement, it is reasonable to expect that prostaglandin inhibitors, such as NSAIDs, inhibit or delay tooth movement. An evaluation of studies measuring the extent of NSAID impairment on tooth movement was undertaken.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from animal studies have shown that NSAIDs can impair the tooth movement process. Until long-term human data are obtained, acetaminophen remains an appropriate alternative to NSAIDs for treating orthodontic-associated pain.
Walker
J B
JB
Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Dr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018, USA. jwalker@nova.edu
Buring
S M
SM
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D010519:Periodontium / Q000187:drug effects; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D014087:Tooth Movement Techniques
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal