American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

The primary concern of bisphosphonate use in younger patients is its potential impact on maxillofacial growth. Bisphosphonates are medications that inhibit bone resorption and are often used to treat conditions such as osteoporosis and certain cancers. In younger individuals, who are still experiencing growth and development, the administration of these drugs can interfere with the normal physiological processes of bone remodeling and growth. This interference can lead to abnormalities in bone structure and development, specifically in the facial skeleton.

During the growth period, the bones undergo significant changes in shape and density to accommodate overall body growth and function, which includes changes in the maxillofacial region. Therefore, the effects of bisphosphonates on osteoclast activity can disrupt this process, potentially leading to long-term adverse effects on facial development, including issues with tooth eruption, jaw size, and overall facial harmony.

While other concerns, such as increased risk of fractures, allergic reactions, and delayed healing, are valid considerations when using bisphosphonates in patients of any age, the impact on growth is particularly critical in younger patients as it can have lasting implications on their oral and facial development.