Reporting gaps in shockwave-assisted orthodontic tooth movement and tooth mobility studies

Abstract

Introduction: To date, studies exploring shockwave-assisted orthodontic tooth movement and tooth mobility have produced inconclusive results, largely attributable to varying methodologies and a lack of standardized reporting. This inconsistency hinders the ability to compare findings across studies and draw definitive conclusions. Objective: The aim of this review is reporting the gaps in shockwave and orthodontic tooth movement/tooth mobility studies and the future opportunities. Methods: Our search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to August 2024. Searches were performed without restrictions on year, publication status, or language. Results: Upon reviewing the full texts of the articles, only six related studies were found, including four animal studies and two human studies. Key parameters, such as shockwave system characteristics (e.g., type of shockwave system, energy flux density, pulse frequency, focal area, focal distance), patient characteristics (e.g., facial soft tissue thickness, pulpal blood flow changes, salivary gland secretion changes), and study characteristics (e.g., long-term follow-up, tooth movement/mobility measurement tools and their error, number of shockwave episodes, distance of the shockwave system from the face, distance of the shockwave system from the target tooth, the phase during which shockwave is applied), are often not thoroughly described. Conclusions: This review emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies and comprehensive reporting in future studies to enable meaningful comparisons and reliable conclusions.