Abstract Importance Mechanical vibration has recently been emphasized in orthodontics as a noninvasive approach of accelerating tooth movement. This review summarizes the knowledge on the ability of mechanical vibration to accelerate tooth movement and critically analyzes the biological effects of mechanical vibration reported by in vivo and in vitro studies. Observations Studies on the effects of mechanical vibration in orthodontics have reported inconsistent results, which may arise from the varied vibration protocols, tooth movement mechanics, and outcomes measured. Recent animal studies reported vibration combined with orthodontic force increased the rate of tooth movement and the levels of inflammatory chemokines (CCL2) and cytokines (IL-1β, and TNF-α). Consistent with these findings, vibration combined with compressive force upregulated inflammatory mediators and RANKL in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro. Randomized controlled trials indicate the application of vibration increases the rate of tooth movement in canine distalization; however, vibration does not increase the rate of crowding correction. Conclusion and relevance Mechanical vibration may accelerate tooth movement by enhancing alveolar bone resorption at the compression side during orthodontic tooth movement via a mechanism related to induction of inflammatory mediators. However, the optimal vibration protocols and cellular mechanisms of action of mechanical vibration need to be well-defined before clinical application. Moreover, patient compliance and cost-effectiveness need to be considered.