A Retrospective Assessment of Alterations in Gingival CrevicularFluid (GCF) after applying Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: An Original Research Study

Abstract

Aim:The sole aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate alterations in gingival crevicular
fluid (GCF) after applying fixed orthodontic appliances.Assessment of changing levels of nickel
and chromium was attempted with their clinical correlation.
Materials and Methods: Total twenty patients were selected for the study in which 8 were
females and 12 were males. Gingival crevicular fluid collection was attempted at four prefixed
sites in all participants. Firstly, gingival crevicular fluid collection was attempted before applying
fixed orthodontic appliances. Samples were analyzed as per their collection groups i.e., group
two (3 months), group three (5 months), group four (7 months). Standardized Perio Paper was
inserted at designated sites for one minute to absorb adequate fluid. All strips were analyzed for
levels of nickel and chromiumby spectrophotometer. Mean of all four strips per patient per visit
was taken as final and sent for further analysis.
Statistical Analysis & Results: Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS). P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results
clearly show that there was an increasing pattern of nickel and chromium in GCF at consecutive
visits. For group I,mean value for Nickel was 2.83 while for Chromium it was1.92. For group II;
mean value for Nickel was 9.23 and 6.39 for Chromium in GCF. For group III; mean value for
Nickel was 11.80 and 8.62 for Chromium in GCF. Measured p value was significant. For group
IV; mean value for Nickel was 12.12 and 10.18 for Chromium in GCF. Measured p value was
highly significant. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it was concluded that Nickel and Chromium
levels in gingival crevicular fluid typically increase after fixed orthodontic appliances. In
addition, fixed orthodontic treatment up to seven months can exaggerate the levels of nickel and
chromium in the gingival crevicular fluid. Our study outcomes should be considered as
suggestive during clinical decision making.