FIGURE 5.

Schematic representation of alveolar bone remodeling during mastication. Mechanostat model of functional adaptation of bone. Above the certain threshold levels for strain, bone formation modeling which is independent of bone resorption occurs to increase bone mass. A lower than the certain threshold level for strain leads to increased bone remodeling and resorption, resulting in decreased bone mass. In the normal loading range, bone formation and bone resorption are balanced, and total bone mass is unchanged (a). Sclerostin (SOST) and DKK1 inhibit osteoblast differentiation and stimulate osteoclastogenesis. Lower mechanical loading results in osteocyte apoptosis and increases in sclerostin production, leading to increased bone resorption. Higher mechanical loading by occlusal forces during mastication reduces sclerostin production from osteocytes, which decreases bone resorption and accelerates new bone formation in the alveolar bone (b)