Screening of biochemical parameters in the orthodontic treatment with the fixed appliances: A follow-up study

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in vital salivary parameters such as calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, buffering capacity, pH, flow-rate and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) in fixed orthodontic treatment patients during the retention period. In this study, saliva samples were collected from 35 patients before de-bonding (T₀) and after 4 to 5 weeks of de-bonding or on retention period (T₁). The biochemical parameters such as calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured with saliva samples. Additionally, flow-rate, buffering capacity, pH and OHI levels was also measured. The current study results showed reduction in calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pH, flow-rate and OHI levels during T₁ (p < 0.05). However, phosphorous and buffering capacity levels were increased at T₁. The phosphorous levels showed non statistically significant difference when compared between T₀ and T₁ (p = 0.42). The remaining salivary parameters showed statistically significant difference when compared between T₀ and T₁ (p < 0.05). The present study concludes that there was a statistically significant decrease in the calcium, alkaline phosphatase, pH, flow rate and OHI values a month after de-bonding and increased in the buffering capacity values.