Neural regulation of alveolar bone remodeling and periodontal ligament metabolism during orthodontic tooth movement in response to therapeutic loading

•Nervous system participates in the orthodontic tooth movement process and regulating bone remodeling as well as periodontal ligament metabolism via different pathways.•Sensory neural markers, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P, are involved in the neurovascular reaction to orthodontic forces in the periodontium.•Sympathetic nervous system can enhance tooth movement by upregulating the expression of various receptors and pathways promoting osteoclastogenesis.•Leptin can not only modulate the inflammatory response of immune cells to mechanical force but also have a significant impact on periodontal ligament cell apoptosis during orthodontic tooth movement.