An Evaluation of Microbial Flora, Alkaline Phosphatase and IL-8 Levels in GCF of Orthodontic Patients with Self-Ligating and Conventional Brackets
Essam Nassar, Naif Nasser Almasoud, Maher S. Alqurashi, Ahmed A. Alsulaiman, Khalid S. Hassan
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the microbial flora, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels during orthodontic treatment with self-ligating brackets versus conventional brackets. Patients and methods: Forty patients were included in this study and distributed equally between two groups. One group received conventional edgewise brackets while the other group received DAMON self-ligating brackets. Periodontal parameters were recorded and biochemical and microbial analyses were conducted before bonding (baseline), and 14, 30, and 45 days after bonding. Paired t -test was performed to estimate the intergroup differences from the baseline at the various time points; unpaired t -test was used for intragroup comparisons. Results: A significantly higher prevalence of gram-negative as well as gram-positive microorganisms was found in the group with conventional brackets than that with self-ligating brackets. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were significantly higher in the gingival crevicular fluid of the group with conventional brackets than that with self-ligating brackets. Conclusion: The conventional bracket-ligature technique exhibited an increase in IL-8 levels, ALP activity, and microbial colonization compared with that of the self-ligature technique. Accordingly, self-ligating brackets are recommended in orthodontic patients to improve periodontal health and minimize damage outcomes of periodontal tissue interventions. Keywords: dentistry, orthodontics, alkaline phosphatase, jnterlukin-8, orthodontic tooth movement, periodontal parameters