Despite the Human Genome was already fully sequenced in 2003 (HGP), the genetic/genomic mechanisms, active during dental and craniofacial development and growth, are only just being elucidated. Although many genetic mutations and some polymorphisms have already been discovered as causal factors of some dentofacial abnormalities and syndromes, the picture is far from complete. Variation in rate and/or onset of tooth movement, either or not associated with root resorption, and differences in reponses to jaw orthopedic treatment are waiting to be explained (epi)genetically. With the growing knowledge on the genetic base of tooth movement, interaction with molecular mechanisms underlying the biological response will become available. Beside biomechanics, future orthodontic treatment will also comprise personalized biosynthetic adjuvants if a genetic risk for root resorption or periodontal breakdown was genetically diagnosed.
Clinical questions on how to interact most efficiently and most safely with the genotype-phenotype balance, will gradually be elucidated.