Photodynamic Therapy in Orthodontics: A Literature Review.

Treatment of malocclusions using fixed orthodontic appliances makes it difficult for patients to perform hygiene procedures. Insufficient removal of bacterial biofilm can cause enamel demineralization, manifesting by visible white spot lesions or periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis periodontitis or gingival hyperplasia. The classic methods of preventing the above problems include, in addition to proper hygiene, ultrasonic scaling, periodontal debridement, and oral rinses based on chlorhexidine. New alternative methods of reducing plaque around brackets are being developed. There is a growing interest among researchers in the possibility of using photodynamic therapy in orthodontics. A literature search for articles corresponding to the topic of this review was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases and the following keywords: 'photodynamic therapy', 'orthodontics', and 'photosensitizer(s)'. Based on the literature review, two main directions of research can be distinguished: clinical research on the use of photodynamic therapy in the prevention of white spot lesions and periodontal diseases, and ex vivo research using a modified orthodontic adhesive by adding photosensitizers to them. Methylene blue is the most frequently used photosensitizer in clinical trials. The effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is mainly compared to the ultrasonic scaler as a single therapy or as an adjunct to the ultrasonic scaler. In their conclusions, the researchers most often emphasize the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in reducing microbial levels in patients treated with fixed appliances and the possibility of using it as an alternative to routine procedures aimed at maintaining a healthy periodontium. The authors suggest further research on the use of photodynamic therapy to prove the validity of this method in orthodontics. It should also not be forgotten that proper hygiene is the basis for maintaining oral cavity health, and its neglect is a contraindication to orthodontic treatment.

Evaluation of interleukin-1 beta and the ratio of interleukin-1 beta to interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic canine retraction.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a complex phenomenon mediated by cytokines, of which interleukin-1 beta (IL­1ß) is potently involved in the remodeling of the periodontal ligament (PDL) and bone. Whether the pattern of IL­1ß release differs at the sides of tension and compression is not yet clarified. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of IL­1ß and the ratio of IL­1ß to interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL­1RA) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) at the tension and compression sides during orthodontic canine retraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen patients scheduled for orthodontic treatment with bilateral extraction of maxillary first premolars and canine retraction were enrolled. Tooth 2.3 was retracted, teeth 1.3 and 3.3 served as controls. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the tension and compression sides of each tooth at baseline (before the 1st activation - day 0) and at days 2 and 7, and then again before the 2nd activation (day 28) and at days 30 and 35. The levels of IL­1ß and IL­RA were evaluated with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: After the 1st activation, a statistically significant increase in the level of IL­1ß was observed at teeth 2.3 (p < 0.03 mesially and p < 0.05 distally) and 1.3 (p < 0.05 mesially and distally), both at the tension and compression sides. The 2nd activation resulted in a gradual increase in the IL­1ß level at both canines; however, statistical significance was reached only for tooth 2.3 (p < 0.05 mesially and p < 0.02 distally). In terms of the IL­1ß/IL­1RA ratio, a significant increase was observed only at the compression side of the experimental tooth (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the IL­1ß level in GCF was observed both at the tension and compression sides of the actively retracted canine 2.3 as well as the contralateral canine 1.3; a significant rise in the IL­1ß/IL­1RA ratio was noted only at the compression side of the experimental tooth 2.3, indicating the zone of active bone resorption.

[Assessment of degree and extent of resorption of incisor roots adjacent to impacted maxillary canines]. / Ocena stopnia i rozleglosci resorpcji korzeni zebów siecznych sasiadujacych z zatrzymanymi klami góornymi.

UNLABELLED: The object of the study was to assess the degree and extent of root resorption of incisors adjacent to impacted maxillary canines on the basis of CT examination, as well as presenting the effect of patient's age and localisation of the impacted canines upon the resorption process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study comprised 65 patients with suspected impaction of permanent maxillary canine. In all of the subjects pantomographic x-rays were performed. 44 patients aged 13-31 (average 17.1 +/- 4.5) were found to present with an overlap of the crown of impacted canine over the incisor roots, in which case a CT scan was performed. The patients under study were divided into three smaller groups according to age: group I (13-15 years of age) comprising 18 persons (40.9%) with 23 impacted canines (42.6%); group II (16-18 years of age) with 14 persons (31.8%) and 18 impacted canines (33.3%), and group III (19-31 years of age): 12 persons (27.3%) and 13 impacted canines (24.1%). The CT scans (including multiplanar and 3D reconstructions) were used to localise the impacted canines as buccal, palatal and horizontal. Also, the condition of the roots of lateral and/or central incisors was assessed. Moreover, the effect of impacted canine position and of the patient's age on occurrence and extent of incisor root resorption was analysed. RESULTS: Of the total of 54 impacted permanent maxillary canines, 41 (75.9%) were positioned palatally, 10 (18.5%) buccaly, and 3 (5.6%) horizontally. There were 31 cases (64.6%) of lateral incisor root resorption, of which in 18 (58.1%) resorption was deep, and in 13 (41.9%) it was light. The most damage (86.9) was found in the youngest group. There were also 8 cases (44.4%) of central incisor root resorption found primarily in the second age group. Statistically significant association between the position of the impacted CONCLUSIONS: A CT scan allows assessment of degree and extent of the resorption of lateral incisor roots adjacent to impacted maxillary canines. Age of patients is a significant factor which has an effect on occurrence of damage to incisor roots. Also the position of impacted canines has an effect on the process of resorption of incisor roots. Computed tomography still remains the method of choice in assessment of root resorption in teeth adjacent to impacted teeth.