Biomarkers and Orthodontics

Objectives: Process of tooth movement is based on natural capacity of the tooth to adapt to applied forces, for example by chewing. A number of experimental studies have described tissue and cellular reactions of the tooth root – PDL – bone complex to the applied force.
However, what are the biological properties of the tooth complex in humans?
Methods: How can we obtain an insight into force induced tissue reactions of human tooth complex? A gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) represents a window of opportunity. GCF is transudate of plasma passing through extracellular space of PDL and flowing into intraoral cavity in the crevicular sulcus. It can be collected and analyzed.
Results: We review studies on composition of GCF in periodontitis and during orthodontic treatment. We present results of a pilot study that followed changes of GCF volume and content of cytokines during orthodontic treatment.
Conclusions: Analysis of GCF shows how PDL reacts to the applied force in a real time. Further studies are warranted to bring clinically important findings.