Effect of alendronate sodium on tooth movement in ovariectomized rats

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of two different dosages of alendronate on induced orthodontic movement in an experimental model involving rats with osteoporosis following ovariectomy.Design: Female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) eight weeks of age were divided into four groups (n = 12/group): ovariectomized (OVX group); ovariectomized and treated with alendronate sodium at 1 mg/kg (Group OVX + ALN1); ovariectomized and treated with alendronate sodium at 2 mg/kg (Group OVX + ALN2); and sham operated (control). Three months after ovariectomy, the maxillary right first molar was submitted to movement for five and seven days. After the death of the animals, the maxilla were removed and processed for microscopic evaluation. The maxillary left first molar (without movement) was used for comparison purposes in all groups. The samples were processed for the quantification of alveolar bone and tooth movement.Results: Intragroup comparisons showed significant movement after five and seven days (p < 0.05) for all groups. Comparison among groups revealed greater tooth movement in the OVX group (p < 0.05), on day 7.Conclusions: Both alendronate sodium doses similarly decreased tooth movement in ovariectomized rats (p > 0.05). Movement in ovariectomized + alendronate groups were also smaller than non-ovariectomized rats, however without statistical difference.