Orthodontic tooth movement is a complex physiological process based on periodontal tissue remodeling. Numerous factors, such as the anatomical characteristics of oral and maxillofacial complications, occlusal interference, mechanical factors and systematic factors, may play critical roles in orthodontic tooth movement, leading to tooth movement difficulty. In recent years, many scholars have focused on factors related to tooth movement difficulty, but current research mostly involves animal experiments and retrospective studies. Clinical trials of high-quality and evidence-based medicine studies are required. Although no sound theory system is available that is universally recognized and the mechanism of many factors remains debatable, alveolar bone defects, the maxillary sinus, the gingiva, tooth ankylosis, bone islands and friction may cause orthodontic tooth movement. Understanding the factors related to the difficulty of orthodontic tooth movement is advantageous to develop a more comprehensive personalized treatment plan for patients and achieve more efficient and safer tooth movement. In this paper, the current factors related to orthodontic tooth movement are reviewed to provide references for clinical orthodontic treatment.