Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Biomonitoring of mutagenicity and cytotoxicity in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy
Fernanda Angelieri1, Viviane Carlin, Renato A Martins
1Department of Orthodontics, São Paulo Methodist University, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.
Introduction:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate DNA damage (micronucleus) and cellular death (pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis) in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells from adults after fixed orthodontic therapy.
Material And Methods:
A total of 23 healthy adults (10 men and 13 women) undergoing orthodontic therapy were included in this setting.
Results:
The results pointed out no significant statistically differences (P >0.05) of micronucleated oral mucosa cells. In the same way, orthodontic therapy was not able to increase other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity such as karyorrhexis, pyknosis and karyolysis (P >0.05).
Conclusion:
In summary, these data indicate that orthodontic therapy may not be a factor that induces chromosomal damage, nor it is able to promote cytotoxicity. Since DNA damage and cellular death are important events during carcinogenic processes, especially in early phases, this study represents a correct evaluation with respect to real health risks induced by orthodontic devices.
