Effect of fixed orthodontic appliances on nonmicrobial salivary parameters

ABSTRACT Objectives: To examine possible changes in the levels of salivary antioxidants, C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, pH, proteins, and blood in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: Salivary samples from 21 orthodontic patients who met specific inclusion criteria were collected before the beginning of orthodontic treatment (T0; baseline), 1 hour after bonding (T1), and 4–6 weeks after bonding (T2). Oxidant-scavenging ability (OSA) was quantified using a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. Cortisol and CRP levels were measured using immunoassay kits. pH levels and presence of proteins and blood in the samples were quantified using strip-based tests. Results: A significant decrease in salivary pH was observed after bonding (P = .013). An increase in oxidant-scavenging abilities during orthodontic treatment was detected, but the change was not statistically significant. Cortisol and CRP levels slightly increased after bonding, but the difference was small w...