Orthodontic Movement Effects on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Volume and Composition

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze changes in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic movement in humans by assessing its volume and estimating alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH) activity. Methods: Twelve patients requiring all first premolar extractions were selected and treated with conventional straight wire mechanotherapy. Canine retraction was done using Nitinol Closed Coil Springs. Maxillary canine on one side acted as experiment site while the contralateral canine acted as control. GCF was collected from around the canines using PerioPaper Strips before initiation of canine retraction, 1 hour after, 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. The collected samples were analyzed quantitatively, clinically, using the Periotron and qualitatively, in the laboratory, using the Dimension RXL Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Results: The GCF volume even though was found to be elevated at the experiment site, it was not statistically significant from the control site. The GCF ALP enzyme showed a variation during orthodontic tooth movement. Its maximum level in the experiment site was reached on the 14th day followed by a decline on the 21st day. The GCF LDH enzyme showed a steady increase during orthodontic tooth movement with a statistically significant increase on the 14th and 21st days compared to the control site. Conclusions: The study showed that GCF volume, ALP enzyme and LDH enzyme activity could be successfully estimated in the GCF. The estimation of GCF volume as well as its constituents may help the clinician to monitor the active orthodontic tooth movement. Further research and new techniques may aid in developing more sensitive and reliable markers that can be used as chair side test in orthodontic practice. This study was supported by the College of Dentistry Research Center foundation (Grant no. F1171).