Various components of appliances used in fixed orthodontic treatment are fabricated from materials that are highly resistant in nature and have high strength and biocompatibility. Corrosion of materials occurs inside the oral cavity due to numerous environmental or oral factors that act on them. These factors include temperature, pH variation, salivary conditions, mechanical loads, microbiological and enzymatic activity, and various food components. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is the material obtained from the gingival sulcus and might act as a potential source for various biomarkers in the orthodontic setup because inflammatory-induced response is directly related to orthodontic forces in GCF. In the light of above-mentioned data, we planned this study to assess and evaluate the changes occurring in nickel and chromium levels in the GCF during fixed orthodontic treatment.

This study included assessment of 30 patients who underwent fixed orthodontic treatment. Three samples were taken from the GCF of the patients giving a total of 90 samples. The samples were collected at the following time intervals: At baseline (pretreatment time), 1 month after the start of orthodontic treatment, and at 6 months after the commencement of orthodontic treatment. Cellulose strips were used for isolation of the tooth region. For GCF collection, a standardized cellulose acetate absorbent strip was used. Placement of the strips was done in the sulcus for 60 seconds for the collection of the samples. Refrigeration of the specimen bottles was done for a minimum of 7 days and was then sent to a laboratory where specimens were transferred for atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All the results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.

At 1 month, the mean value of nickel and chromium in GCF was found to be 4.5 and 4.9 μg/gm of GCF respectively. While comparing the mean nickel levels between 1 and 6 months and between baseline and 6 months, significant results were obtained. Significant results were also obtained while comparing the mean values of chromium in GCF between baseline and 6 months and between 1 and 6 months. Gingival health index of the patients was found to be associated with increased inflammation with the progression of time of orthodontic treatment.

Levels of nickel and chromium might show considerable elevation in the GCF with time along with an increase in the severity of inflammation in the gingival health in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Regular oral prophylaxis of the patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should be done to avoid toxicities caused by the release of nickel and chromium and for maintenance of good oral hygiene and oral health.

Bhasin V, Pustake SJ, Joshi V, Tiwari A, Bhasin M, Punia RS. Assessment of Changes in Nickel and Chromium Levels in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(8):675-678.