Changes in gingival blood flow during orthodontic treatment

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in gingival blood flow due to orthodontic forces. Eleven volunteers, with the maxillary canine in an ectopic position were tested. A Laser Doppler Flowmeter (LDF) with a gingival probe was used, registering both the blood flow and temperature of the gingivae. After baseline measurement, a fixed orthodontic appliance was bonded. Measurements were repeated monthly, after activation of the appliance. The study lasted 6 months. The baseline value was 338.7 ± 201.56 P.U. [Perfusion Unit (mean ± S.D.)] which decreased to 218.9 ± 74.83 P.U. (p &lt; 0.05) after two months and the final value of 363.9 ± 194.86 P.U was not significantly different from that initially (p &gt; 0.5). The results showed that application of a force of 75 g resulted in a decrease in gingival blood flow up to 50%, but this returned to previous values after a few months. The study supports this measurement technique as a useful tool for monitoring gingival blood flow in long-term studies as well.</jats:p>

Identification of Gingival Microcirculation Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry in Patients with Orthodontic Treatment—A Longitudinal Pilot Study

“…They observed that in most patients, the first values decreased (during the first month) and then increased gradually up to the sixth month. Our results coincide with those of Barta et al because, in our study, we observed an increase in gingival perfusion at all of the time intervals with different arches [ 29 ]. The vascular morphology is related to blood flow changes (relaxation and contraction), and these changes may be the first sign of the onset of pathological events; therefore, it is helpful to provide information related to blood flow in clinical practice.…”

“…Researchers have reported that Nitinol arches produce constant and continues forces to generate greater tooth movement in comparison to stainless steel arches; this could be a possible explanation for the increase in the gingival perfusion of these arches [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…We identified a scarcity of articles related to gingival blood flow (using laser Doppler flowmetry) in patients receiving orthodontic treatment. Longitudinal pilot studies could provide information on this topic, thereby facilitating further research [ 29 , 32 ].…”

Bone Quality Assessment of Dental Implant Recipient Sites

“…For assessment of tissue vascularity at the level of microcirculation, laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) is an appropriate method (37).This method has been used for the detection of blood flow in oral mucosal, pulpal, muscular and gingival tissues (38,39,40,41,42,43,44).…”

Doppler flowmetry as a tool of predictive, preventive and personalised dentistry

“…The regression coefficient of decreased blood flow to the percentage of tooth displacement was significantly higher in young subjects than in adults [ 74 ]. Barta et al showed that the application of a force of 75 g to the maxillary canine in an ectopic position resulted in a decrease in gingival blood flow up to 50%, but it returned toward the baseline after a few months [ 75 ].…”