Evaluation and comparison of levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase in gingival crevicular fluid at different stages of orthodontic treatment: An in-vivo study

The orthodontic tooth movement is a complex mechanism, that involves interactions between various cells of the periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, as well as multiple intercellular actions. These forces of tooth movement produce an environment that is described as a continuous sequence of inflammation and repair designed to restore normal tissue continuity and function. The mechanisms responsible for converting orthodontic force into cellular responses, including cellular differentiation, at present, remain an area of ambiguity. It has been observed that markers of bone remodeling are found in GCF. Therefore, it has been shown that GCF may reflect the immune and inflammatory reactions arising from the application of orthodontic force. While studying the levels of biomarkers in the GCF of patients undergoing OTM, one of the main drawbacks observed in orthodontics was the longer duration of orthodontic treatment as they pose various disadvantages such as root resorption, gingival inflammation, enamel decalcification, etc. Accelerated orthodontics has gained popularity in recent years and it has been proposed to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. Further, studies regarding the levels of various biomarkers in the human GCF at the various stages of orthodontic treatment like the initial phase of levelling and alignment, the initial stages of space close and debonding phase, and their association with clinical outcomes. Therefore the purpose of this study is to evaluate levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase in gingival crevicular fluid at different stages of orthodontic treatment