Influence of increased body mass index on orthodontic tooth movement and related parameters in children and adolescents: A systematic review of longitudinal controlled clinical studies

Objectives: To assess the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and related parameters in children and adolescents. Search sources: A search of six electronic databases and manual searching were performed up to June 2019 without language and time restrictions. Data selection: Eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) longitudinal controlled clinical studies; (2) children and adolescents undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT); (3) no systemic diseases; (4) experimental group: patients with increased BMI; and (5) control group: patients with normal BMI. Data extraction: Screening, study selection and data extraction were performed; bias within studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non-randomised Studies (ROBINS-I) tool. Results: Seven studies were included. One study showed that an increased BMI is associated with less wear-time of removable orthodontic appliances and one study found no significant association. One study showed that an increased BMI is associated with less cooperation during OT; however, not with the treatment results. One study reported higher pain experience during OT in adolescents with than without increased BMI. Two studies showed that increased BMI in adolescents is related to OTM, one with increased and one with decreased rates of OTM, respectively. One study reported an association between increased BMI and incidence of white spot lesions and gingivitis during OT. The ROBINS-I tool showed low to moderate risk of bias within studies. Conclusions: The influence of BMI on OTM and related parameters in children and adolescents remains debatable.