Evaluation of nickel and chromium levels in the saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: To assess the nickel and chromium levels in the saliva undergoing fixed 
orthodontic treatment. Materials & methods: A total of 100 subjects were enrolled who 
were scheduled to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment. Two samples of stimulated saliva 
were collected from each orthodontic patient: before insertion of the fixed appliance (which 
served as a baseline level for salivary nickel and chromium content) and 10 days after 
insertion of the appliance. These samples were analyzed for nickel and chromium content 
using autoanalyzer and their values recorded in micro g/L. Results: A total of 100 subjects 
were enrolled. Amount of salivary nickel and chromium at the baseline was 5.8 and 3.1 
respectively.