orthodonticsjournal.net

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Researchers in University of Florida are testing the power of a natural human hormone to biochemically move teeth faster and less painfully during orthodontic treatment – making braces for adults much more practical. The hormone that helps women’s pelvic ligaments stretch during pregnancy, in preparation for giving is best known as relaxin. It works by softening collagen and elastin in the tissues. It loosens the strong, cord-like fibers until they are super-pliable. This ability lead researchers to consider relaxin a possible way to accelerate tooth movement and prevent relapse, a condition where the tooth migrates back to its original position after braces are removed.