Osteoprotegerin in gingival crevicular fluid under long-term continuous orthodontic force application

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the level of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during tooth movement. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients (13-17 years of age) requiring canine distalization participated in the study. GCF sampling was done at baseline, 1 hour, 24 hours, 168 hours, 1 month, and 3 months from the distal sites of the test and with control teeth after the application of mechanical stress. OPG concentration was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: OPG concentrations in distal sites of the test teeth were decreased in a time-dependent manner. Decreasing is significant when compared with the baseline measurements (P = .038). Variability was detected in the levels of OPG concentration in the distal sites of the control tooth throughout the experimental period. Conclusion: OPG is one of the key mediators responsible for alveolar bone remodeling during tooth movement. © 2008 by The EH Angle Education and Research Foundation, Inc.