Does orthodontic tooth movement cause an elevation in the systemic inflammatory markers?

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the effects of orthodontic treatment on systemic levels of the infl ammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Seventeen subjects (11 girls and 6 boys, mean age 13.1 years) treated with fi xed appliances and distalising headgear. Venous blood samples were taken from the cubital vein before treatment and then at three further time points during treatment of each subject two months apart. The sera from these blood samples were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology for CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 concentration levels. RESULTS: There was no signifi cant elevation of any of the three infl ammatory markers at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: This research provides evidence that conventional orthodontic treatment has no systemic immune response and is therefore immunologically safe.