Tissue Reaction and Biomechanics.

Tissue reaction to orthodontic force has been a subject of research with the purpose of providing the orthodontists with information necessary for the application of a force system that can generate a maximum of tooth movement and modeling of the alveolar process with a minimum of damage. Traditionally, the studies of bone biological reactions have been distinguishable from those performed by bone biologists. This has led to a controversy regarding both the terminology and perception of the reaction to mechanical perturbation. The present chapter, with its basis in bone biology, surveys the attempts by orthodontists to optimize the tissue reaction and shorten treatment time.