Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
3D Imaging of PDL Collagen Fibers during Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mandibular Murine Model
Published on: April 15, 2021
Response of human periodontal ligament to orthodontic force using superb microvascular imaging
Chuan Wu1, Xiaoyu Liu1, Huan Zhang2
1Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Introduction:
Remodeling of the periodontal ligament (PDL) during orthodontic tooth movement is closely related to the vascularity of the PDL, which has not been thoroughly investigated in humans. This study aimed to measure the width and vascular parameters of human PDL using superb microvascular imaging for the first time.
Methods:
Patients aged 18-25 years were selected for participation. The intervention was randomly allocated from the maxillary canines to the first molars on both sides using 50 g or 150 g of force. The width and vascular parameters of the PDL were measured using superb microvascular imaging at different time intervals (baseline, 30 minutes, and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days).
Results:
Before the intervention, the width of the PDL ranged from 0.14 to 0.25 mm, and the vascular index ranged from 9.40% to 13.54%. After applying orthodontic forces, the cervical and middle PDL widths increased. The vascular index decreased slightly in 30 minutes, decreased to a minimum value after 1 day, increased to the maximum in 3-7 days, and returned to baseline values in 14 days. The values of other vascular parameters showed similar trends.
Conclusions:
The width and vascular parameters of the PDL changed slightly after force application, underwent changes in the period of reconstruction for 3-7 days, and eventually returned to baseline in 14 days.
