The exhaustive research over the past four decades has focused on the natural growth of the mandibular condyle and growth changes during the use of different orthopedic appliances on experimental animals. Cartilage growth is partly genetically determined but is strongly influenced by epigenetic factors. The latter includes systemic factors and local factors, such as growth factors and mechanical stimuli. Growth factors and cytokines are local mediators which are rapidly degraded or inactivated. They can be secreted in response to mechanical and inflammatory stimuli.Growth factors are a large family of polypeptide molecules that regulate cell division in many tissues by autocrine or paracrine mechanisms.Depending on what receptors are activated, growth factors can initiate mitogenic, antiproliferative or trophic effects, that is growth factors act as positive or negative modulators of cell proliferation. The synergistic and orchestrated influences of various growth factors and other regulatory factors that are endogenously expressed in the condyle have been well documented. Growth factors do not only play an important role in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis but also in pathological situations, like infection and wound healing. Consequently, the applications of growth factors have therapeutic applications.

SST produced lower levels of friction (11%) for all archwire materials when compared to conventional uncoated ligatures (Dispense-A-Stix) and both conventional uncoated ligatures and coated ligatures gave a rank order of coefficient of kinetic friction (μkf) among archwires, with stainless steel archwires exhibiting the least and TMA TM showing the highest.

Gingival recession is an aesthetic and functional problem requiring surgical management in most cases. Adequate gingival health is a prerequisite to maintain plaque control during orthodontic treatment. This case report described management of gingival recession before orthodontic treatment using a novel surgical method. Here, authors presented a case of 27-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Periodontics for management of gingival recession in the lower front tooth region. The patient was diagnosed with Miller’s Class II gingival recession on mandibular right central incisor. Vestibular depth and width of attached gingiva was found to be inadequate at the recession site. The case was managed with epithelial embossed connective graft. The recipient site was prepared using envelope technique and internal vestibular deepening was performed before placing the graft. Complete root coverage, adequate vestibular depth and width of attached gingiva were obtained postoperatively. Due to high aesthetic demand of the patient, orthodontic therapy was instituted six months following root coverage and patient could maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Results of surgical treatment were maintained till two years follow-up. Careful selection of surgical technique could enhance thickness and width of attached gingiva and retain vestibular depth at the recipient site. Successful case management enabled the patient to maintain gingival health during orthodontic treatment.

With the newly emerging concepts and advancements in genetic/genomic technologies, information on causative or candidate gene(s), transcription factors or growth factors responsible for orthodontic cases such as craniofacial dysmorphologies, morphogenesis and differentiation of craniofacial tissues, midfacial defects, crowding of teeth, prognathism, genetic variations associated with susceptibility of developing and/or heterogeneity in treatment response of malocclusions are emerging. Promising results have been accrued on utilization of genetic testing for management of monogenic traits such as primary failure of eruption (PFE), and Class III malocclusion. As the impact of genetic/genomic factors on orthodontic treatment outcome is emerging, gene therapy as a novel approach is being explored for effective and precise orthodontic treatment. Despite certain challenges and biosafety issues, the emergence of some promising success stories and ongoing research in gene therapy provides an optimistic future in the field of precision orthodontics. However, in order for precision orthodontics to be implemented in daily practice, more exquisite research is warranted. This review encompasses a conspectus on the potentials of genomics and gene therapy in achieving precision orthodontics.