Effect of Cytokines on Osteoclast Formation and Bone Resorption during Mechanical Force Loading of the Periodontal Membrane

Figure 2

Schematic diagram of tooth movement. Applying orthodontic force to the tooth causes compression of the periodontal ligament. The compressed side of periodontal ligament is called the compression side and the side where the periodontal ligament is pulled is called the tension side. Osteoclasts appear on the compression side and osteoblasts on the tension side. The tooth moves as osteoclasts resorb bone while osteoblasts form bone.