Gingival Crevicular Fluid Flow (Volume) as a Biomarker of Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Harrison Truman, DDS 2024; Nina Stevens, Ortho 2024; Tyler Starley, DDS 2024
Mentor: N/A
ADA/Dentsply Student Clinicians of the ADA Award
Objectives: Tooth movement is caused by the application of force. In short, applied force strains structures present in the PDL space – cells, ligaments, blood vessels. Cells in the PDL are damaged by extension and by diminished oxygen supply due to compression of blood vessels. Compounds released from damaged or dead cells trigger an innate inflammatory response. One of the biomarkers of that response is increased formation of extracellular fluid (edema), specifically gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Our goal is to monitor changes of GCF flow during the orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.