Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Studying Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
The relationship between idiopathic bone cavity and orthodontic tooth movement: analysis of 44 cases
I Velez1, M A Siegel, S M Mintz
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-6962, USA. ivelez@nova.edu
Objectives:
Idiopathic bone cavity (IBC), also named simple or traumatic bone cyst, is a common lesion of unknown cause. The mandible is a very common location, although it may occur in any bone of the body. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 44 cases in order to assess the causation of this entity.
Methods:
Each case was analysed by two of the authors (IV and SM) for medical and dental history, history of mandibular/maxillary trauma, clinical presentation, radiographic appearance, surgical findings and histopathology.
Results:
This retrospective study suggested a possible relationship between IBCs and orthodontic treatment. This association was noted in 10/44 cases (22.73%). All of these cases were located in the mandible and were well-circumscribed radiolucencies. Evaluation of these cases disclosed that 6/44 (13.64%) demonstrated scalloping, and 3/44 (6.82%) revealed bony expansion. The age range of the patients evaluated was 9-74 years. None of these cases had a history of trauma or extractions in the area.
Conclusions:
The findings of this retrospective study suggest an association between orthodontic treatment and the development of this IBC. This occurrence may be multifactorial; further research in the dental science is required.
Related Concept Videos
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...

