Do Dietary Habits Influence Trace Elements Release from Fixed Orthodontic Appliances?

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Orthodontic appliances are crucial for dental alignment.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential release of metal ions (chromium and nickel) from these appliances.
• Dietary habits may influence the rate of metal ion release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of dietary habits on chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) ion release from orthodontic appliances.
• To correlate dietary intake of acidic products with hair mineral levels of Cr and Ni.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 47 orthodontic patients participated.
• Electronic questionnaires assessed dietary habits.
• Hair samples were collected at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months.
• Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analyzed Cr and Ni content.

Main Results:

• Consumption of acidic dietary products was associated with increased Cr and Ni ion release.
• Higher Cr release was observed with consumption of fruit juice, coffee, yoghurt, and vinegar.
• Magnification factors indicated significant Cr release with coffee (7.57x) and Ni release with vinegar (2.2x).
• Yoghurt did not significantly increase nickel release.

Conclusions:

• Acidic food and beverage consumption can intensify the release of Cr and Ni ions from orthodontic appliances.
• Orthodontic patients should consider limiting intake of coffee, fruit juices, vinegar, and yoghurt to minimize metal ion exposure.