Introduction: There exist a number of factors that affect the outcome of orthodontic treatment. These factors can be assessed by various gingival markers. One such maker is myeloperoxidase (MPO). Hence, we planned the present study to assess and compare the MPO activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment by different aligning arch wires.
Materials and methods: The present study included assessment of patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for crowding of anterior teeth. Diagnostic cast models of all the subjects were made for recording the irregularity index. All the subjects were randomly divided into three study groups with 15 patients in each group based on the type of nickel-titanium (NiTi) arch wires used. A collection of GCF samples was done in all the patients at various time intervals and it was sent to the laboratory for assessment of MPO activity. Activity of the MPO enzyme was expressed in terms of number of units per 100 μL. All the results obtained were compiled and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
Results: We observed that nonsignificant results were obtained while comparing the mean age and mean gingival score in all the study groups. However, significant results were obtained on comparing the mean MPO enzymatic activity in all the study groups at different time intervals.
Conclusion: Both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi generate optimal forces, which are necessary for higher metabolic response of the periodontal ligament.
Clinical significance: In the intimal stages of orthodontic treatment, both superelastic NiTi and heat-activated NiTi wires are superior in leveling and aligning the crowded teeth.
Keywords: Gingival crevicular fluid; Myeloperoxidase Nickel-titanium..