Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER
12
Nanotechnology in
Orthodontics
2: Facts and
Possible Future Applications
Tarek El-Bialy
Departments of Dentistry and Biomedical Engineering, Division of Orthodontics,
The University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
CHAPTER OUTLINE
12.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 249
12.2 Nanoscale in orthodontics .......................................................................................................... 250
12.3 Nanotechnology and gene therapy in orthodontics ....................................................................... 251
12.4 Nanofabricated ultrasound device for orthodontics....................................................................... 252
12.5 Nanomechanical sensors for orthodontic forces and moments measurement.................................. 253
12.6 Future applications of nanotechnology in orthodontics ................................................................. 255
12.7 Conclusions............................................................................................................................... 256
Acknowledgment................................................................................................................................. 256
References ......................................................................................................................................... 256
12.1
Introduction
Nanotechnology involves the creation, manipulation, and use of materials and devices at the size
scale of
100 nm. It describes the technique of creating and using devices and components compa-
rable in size to molecules and intracellular architecture
[1]
. Nanotechnology is well progressing in
many biological sciences including medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. In general dentistry, nano-
technology has potential to be applied in management of teeth hypersensitivity, anesthesia, produc-
tion of more enhanced dental products, and in orthodontic treatment
[2]
. This chapter presents the
current status of the use of nanotechnology and nanoanalysis and three possible future applications
in orthodontics. These applications involve nanoscale study of the topography of different ortho-
dontic materials to evaluate their nanocharacteristics or nanomechanical properties. The possibility
of nanogene therapy to enhance generation or to modify growth of different craniofacial structures
is discussed. In addition, a nanofabricated ultrasound device for orthodontics is a future direction
that would change the profile of dentofacial regeneration including possible prevention and treat-
ment of orthodontically induced root resorption or dentoalveolar fracture.
,
