Influence of Different Orthodontic Brackets on Cytokine and Cortisol Profile

Background and Objectives: Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) requires bone remodeling resulting from complex processes of aseptic inflammation. Recent studies have confirmed close interaction between the immune and skeletal systems. In addition, various orthodontic appliances including fixed systems affect the sublingual microbial composition, and the likelihood of developing inflammatory reactions of the gums is high, especially early in the treatment period. It is known that these systems have both positive and negative effects on the humoral and cellular immune responses. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of self-ligating and conventional brackets on the salivary concentrations of cytokines (IL-6, osteoprotegerin (OPG), TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma) and cortisol as a marker of stress. Materials and Methods: Forty patients were analyzed at baseline (T0) and 2 months (T2) after fixing self-ligating (Ormco Damond Q) and conventional brackets (Ormco Mini Diamond). Salivary cytokine and cortisol concentrations were evaluated by commercial ELISA kits. Results: Outcomes of our study showed that after two months of treatment with either of these brackets, IFN-gamma and IL-6 levels did not change. However, TNF-alpha decreased with self-ligating brackets (13.36 to 8.32, p = 0.002). The self-ligating bracket system also affects OPG concentration and cortisol levels 2 months after orthodontic activation. The level of OPG in the group of self-ligating brackets decreased significantly (8.55 to 2.72, p = 0.003). Cortisol concentration was significantly higher in the self-ligation group (25.72 to 48.45, p = 0.001) due to the effect of sustained strength movements. Conclusions: Thus, the use of self-ligating and conventional brackets has a different effect on the concentration of cortisol and cytokines (OPG and TNF-alpha) in saliva 2 months after their fixation. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to explore why OPG levels are decreased in case of self-ligating cases and how OPG levels are related to clinical improvement.