Gene Therapy: Application & Future Scope in Orthodontics

Gene therapy was introduced in dentistry by Baum et al in 1995. This field is making its own prominence in the branch of orthodontics as it has the potential to make possible the prevention of many antenatal, congenital and postnatal genetically induced dentofacial anomalies. Various animal studies that have been started carving niche mainly related to orthodontics are: - i) modulate orthodontic tooth movement, ii) alleviate pain associated with orthodontic mechanotherapy, iii) enhance bone repair and regeneration, iv) improve midface hypoplasia by preventing syndromic craniosynostosis v) modify condylar growth. Significant problems with this field that are rate-limiting for clinical success. To put in a nutshell, gene therapy is a long and rugged road to explore. An urge of shifting from treatment-based to prevention-based approach along with ongoing improvements in technology, will lead to many future advanced investigations and gene therapy will eventually become a staple of 21st century medicine.