Changes in gingival blood flow during orthodontic treatment

Abstract

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 < 0.05) after two months and the final value of 363.9 ± 194.86 P.U was not significantly different from that initially (p > 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. © 2010 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.