American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Orthodontics Certification!

Intravenous bisphosphonates primarily work by inhibiting bone resorption and altering the normal remodeling processes of bone. In the context of orthodontics, this means that the use of IV bisphosphonates can slow down the movement of teeth. This occurs because the drugs affect the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption, which is crucial during the orthodontic tooth movement process. When prescribing orthodontic treatment, the rate at which teeth move is a significant factor, and the presence of bisphosphonates can effectively hinder this movement by stabilizing the bone, making it less responsive to the mechanical forces applied through orthodontic appliances.

This mechanism stands in contrast to options that suggest an enhancement of tooth movement, stimulation of healing, or reduction of pain. While stimulating healing may seem plausible, the primary impact of bisphosphonates in the context of orthodontics is their inhibitory effect. Understanding these effects is important for orthodontists when considering the implications of a patient's medical history and any medications that may influence orthodontic treatment outcomes.