The effect of orthodontic separator and short‐term fixed orthodontic appliance on inflammatory mediators and somatosensory function

Abstract

Summary Background Although inflammation can alter cytokines release and nerve function, it is not yet fully established if orthodontic‐induced inflammation can cause significant extraoral trigeminal somatosensory alterations and release of inflammatory chemical mediators. Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of orthodontic separator and short‐term fixed orthodontic appliance on the extraoral trigeminal somatosensory function and concentrations of cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Methods Twenty‐two female patients were evaluated as follow: baseline, 24 hour‐after elastomeric separator (‐aES), 24 hour‐ and 1 month‐after bonding brackets (‐aBB) at both arches. The outcome variables were as follows: self‐reported pain (Visual Analog Scale), QSTs (current perception threshold‐CPT, cold detection threshold‐CDT, warm detection threshold‐WDT, mechanical detection threshold‐MDT, mechanical suprathreshold‐MST and wind‐up ratio‐WUR. All QSTs were performed at infra‐orbital and mental nerve entry zone at patient`s dominant side. In addition, GCF samples in order to assess cytokines profile (IL‐1β,IL‐8,IL‐6 and TNF‐α) were collected. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc analyses were performed (a = 5%). Results Patients reported higher pain intensity 24 hour‐aBB compared to baseline and 24 hour‐aES (P < 0.050). Patients were less sensitive to pin‐prick pain (MST) at 24 hour‐aBB and 1 month‐aBB compared to baseline (P < 0.006). Significant increases in IL‐6 levels were observed 24 hour‐aBB (P < 0.001). Multiple comparison analysis showed significant increase in IL‐1β levels (P < 0.001) and TNF‐α (P < 0.001) 1 month‐aBB compared to baseline. Conclusion Elastomeric separators only induced mild pain and were not able to significantly increase proinflammatory cytokines level in the GCF. In addition, orthodontic fixed appliance may induce only minor somatosensory changes at extraoral trigeminal locations.

Evaluation of pain intensity in patients treated with aligners and conventional fixed appliances: Randomized clinical trial

“…Thus, it is assumed that the individuals presently analysed had a ‘normal’ pain perception system, which confirms the unique participation of appliances on the perceived pain. Only small and temporary somatosensory manifestations, associated with insignificant changes in inflammatory cytokines, were also found in a study that evaluated pain after placement of orthodontic separators 34 . The aforementioned factors, associated with an evaluation period of 6 months, strengthen the present data, since this is the first study to consider such aspects when judging pain related to orthodontic therapy.…”

“…Only small and temporary somatosensory manifestations, associated with insignificant changes in inflammatory cytokines, were also found in a study that evaluated pain after placement of orthodontic separators. 34 The aforementioned factors, associated with an evaluation period of 6 months, strengthen the present data, since this is the TA B L E 4 Comparison between groups concerning the frequency, number of individuals (n) and percentage (%) of utilization of analgesics after placement of appliances at T1 during the 7 days of period…”

A multidimensional investigation of the relationship between skin-mediated somatosensory signals, emotion regulation and behavior problems in autistic children

“…Table 2 shows results for the somatosensory thresholds. Threshold values in TDP were consistent with those of prior research ( Sampaio et al, 2019 ; Arnstad et al, 2020 ; Truffyn et al, 2021 ). Autistic children and adolescents had lower pressure pain thresholds than their TDP ( t (1,69) = 2.51, p = 0.015).…”

Effects of acute pain and strain of the periodontium due to orthodontic separation on the occlusal tactile acuity of healthy individuals

“…Similar findings have been observed in a study authored by Soltis and co-workers [18], pointing out that the proprioceptive discrimination of the force intensity applied on incisor was altered by the insertion of orthodontic forces. Recently, Sampaio and co-workers [32] assessed the effects of orthodontic separators on the extraoral somatosensory functions by means of a standardized battery of quantitative sensory testing. The authors found no changes at extra-oral trigeminal innervation, supporting that somatosensory alterations following periodontal pain are local phenomena and that regions remote from the teeth are not significantly affected.…”