Injectable hyaluronic acid: a method for accelerating alveolar bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) on alveolar bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).
Materials and methods
The study involved 60 Wistar-Albino rats, divided into two main groups and further divided based on time periods (1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days) therefore containing 6 rats in each subgroup. Orthodontic mesialisation of the maxillary first molars was bilaterally achieved using nickel-titanium closed coil springs. In Group I, the right side was injected with HMWHA, while in Group II, the right side was injected with LMWHA. The left side of all rats was injected with normal saline. OTM was measured using 3-dimensional digital models. Alveolar bone volume in the interradicular areas of the first molars was evaluated through histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG).
Results
Histologically, on days 14 and 21, the number of osteoclasts on the experimental sides was higher than on the control sides in both groups. On day 21, the amount of OTM in the HMWHA-injected group was 1.4 times greater than in the control group. Both types of hyaluronic acid increased the RANKL/OPG ratio.
Conclusion
The injection of HA may accelerate orthodontic tooth movement by decreasing alveolar bone density and enhancing bone cell proliferation.
© 2025 Dler Mourad, Merve Goymen, Fatma Deniz Uzuner, Tuna Onal, Mehmet Ibrahim Tuglu, published by Australian Society of Orthodontists Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.