Braces do not just move teeth — scientists just traced how the gentle pull builds new bone

Anyone who has worn braces knows the teeth slowly shift. What was not clear is how the bone that holds the teeth — the alveolar bone — rebuilds itself on the side being stretched. Researchers at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, have now traced the chain reaction. The gentle stretch switches on sugar-burning in the ligament cells that anchor each tooth. That leaves a chemical mark on the cells' DNA packaging, which turns on a signal called CXCL1. The signal calls in a helpful type of immune cell that supports new bone growth. In mice, blocking any link in that chain meant less new bone formed. Knowing the pathway could one day help dentists support patients whose bone rebuilds slowly during orthodontic treatment.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: tech innovation