Mechanical control in dental and jaw morphogenesis and remodeling

Tooth and maxillomandibular bone development is a synergistic process precisely and coordinately regulated by genetic programs, molecular signaling networks, and external environmental factors. Recent rapid progress in in situ biomechanical measurement techniques, cellular mechanical imaging, and molecular tracing technologies has greatly promoted research in developmental biomechanics. Accumulating evidence indicates that mechanical stimuli can be converted into biochemical signals via cellular mechanotransduction pathways, thereby modulating key cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and further regulating tissue morphogenesis and remodeling. In this review, we focus on the role of mechanical control in dental and jaw morphogenesis and remodeling. We first summarize the sources and spatiotemporal distribution features of mechanical stress during dentofacial development. Subsequently, we elaborate on the regulatory roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of mechanical signals in key dentofacial developmental processes, including crown development, root morphogenesis, tooth eruption and replacement, as well as maxillomandibular bone development and remodeling. Finally, we discuss the current research gaps in the field of mechanical stress regulation of dentofacial development and propose potential future research directions.