Prostaglandins and enhanced orthodontic tooth movement: In search of the silver bullet

Prostaglandins are a group of chemical messengers that carry out a number of functions in the human body. One of their important functions is to enhance bone resorption. This may have a profound meaning for orthodontics, as the process of tooth movement is based on selective bone resorption and deposition around the teeth. This article reviews the literature concerning the discovery of prostaglandins, as well as the research into its applications in orthodontics for the purpose of enhancing tooth movement. Also discussed, are the various synthetic alternatives to prostaglandins, which could bestow the desirable effects of prostaglandins, while avoiding their side effects.