Gingival Crevicular Flow (Volume) as a Biomarker of Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Authors

Harrison Truman, University of the Pacific
Nina Stevens, University of the Pacific
Tyler Starley, University of the Pacific

Lead Author Affiliation

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Lead Author Program & Year

DDS Year 2

Second Author Program & Year

Graduate Orthodontics

Third Author Program & Year

DDS Year 2

Presentation Category

Research

Introduction/Context/Diagnosis

Tooth movement is caused by the application of force. In short, applied force strains structures present in the PDL space – cells, ligaments, blood vessels. Cells in the PDL are damaged by extension and by diminished oxygen supply due to compression of blood vessels. Compounds released from damaged or dead cells trigger an innate inflammatory response. One of the biomarkers of that response is increased formation of extracellular fluid (edema), specifically gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Our goal is to monitor changes of GCF flow during the orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

Methods/Treatment Plan

GCF is collected using Periostrips (Oraflow) from buccal and lingual sides of maxillary and mandibular teeth (IRB # 2021-61). The volume of GCF is measured using Periotron 8010 (Oraflow). Time points cover the baseline, start, and end of each aligner during the treatment.

Results/Outcome

GCF volume time series form curves that are typical for a type of tooth but vary amongst different patients. In literature, it was argued that GCF volume was not a reliable quantitative indicator in respect to tooth movement caused by fixed appliances. Our results suggest that this is not true for orthodontic tooth movement caused by Invisalign aligners. A possible explanation is discussed.

Significance/Conclusions

GCF volume (flow) seems to be a good biomarker of orthodontic tooth movement by Invisalign.

Comments/Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Research Award from Align Technology.

Format

Event