Osteoprotegerin in Gingival Crevicular Fluid under Long-term Continuous Orthodontic Force Application

Abstract

To investigate the level of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during tooth movement. 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. 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. OPG is one of the key mediators responsible for alveolar bone remodeling during tooth movement.