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Metal and ceramic bracket effects on human buccal mucosa epithelial cells
Betina R Pereira1, Orlando M Tanaka, Antônio A S Lima
1Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.
Objective:
To test the null hypothesis that metal and ceramic brackets have no effect on the epithelial cells of the buccal mucosa.
Materials And Methods:
Two metal and two ceramic brackets were bonded in 21 individuals of both sexes. With the use of liquid-based exfoliative cytology, morphometric and morphologic changes in buccal mucosa cells adjacent to these brackets were determined and were compared at three time points: baseline (T0), 60 days after placement (T1), and 30 days after removal of the brackets (T2).
Results:
A decrease in nuclear area and an increase in cytoplasmic area occurred in the buccal mucosa cells adjacent to the brackets at T1 (P < .01). At T2, this altered morphometry persisted only in cells adjacent to the metal brackets, although to a lesser degree than at T1 (P < .01). A greater decrease in nuclear area was noted in cells adjacent to the metal brackets than in those next to the ceramic brackets (P < .01). At T0, the proportions of surface and subsurface cells were similar, but at T1, a predominance of surface cells was observed (P < .05). At all time points, smears of cells appeared normal or normal with some inflammatory changes.
Conclusion:
The hypothesis is rejected. Placement of metal and ceramic brackets in the buccal cavity induces cellular alterations. These alterations do not suggest malignancy.
