Gingival temperature measurements with fluoride and nonfluoride elastomeric ligatures

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Periodontology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• The impact of fluoridated elastomerics on gingival health remains largely uninvestigated.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap by comparing gingival health markers with fluoridated versus non-fluoridated orthodontic materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare subgingival temperature near orthodontic brackets using fluoridated elastomerics versus non-fluoridated elastomerics.
• To evaluate the effect of fluoridated elastomerics on gingival crevicular fluid volume and gingival index scores.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, longitudinal, crossover study involving 12 volunteers.
• Weekly measurements of gingival temperature, gingival crevicular fluid volume, and gingival index scores were taken over 8 weeks.
• Orthodontic brackets were placed on premolars and randomly assigned to receive either fluoridated or non-fluoridated elastomerics, with a washout period between phases.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant, albeit small (0.3°C), increase in subgingival temperature was observed after the placement of fluoridated elastomerics (P = .002).
• No significant differences were found in gingival crevicular fluid volume or gingival index scores between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• The observed increase in gingival temperature associated with fluoridated elastomerics is minimal and unlikely to be clinically significant.
• Further discussion on the implications of these findings for orthodontic treatment and patient care is warranted.