Morphologic and gene expression analysis of periodontal ligament fibroblasts subjected to pressure.

INTRODUCTION: Force application (FA) during orthodontic tooth movement is mediated through periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. FA on deciduous teeth has an inherent risk of root resorption, which is less in permanent teeth. Currently, the root resorption mechanism is poorly understood. We hypothesized that FA alters the morphology and gene expression of PDL fibroblasts. This study was designed to achieve homogenous PDL fibroblast cultures, establish an in-vitro FA model, analyze fibroblast morphology after FA, and compare the gene expressions of PDL fibroblasts of deciduous and permanent teeth after FA. METHODS: Fibroblasts were sorted from primary cultures of deciduous and permanent tooth PDLs. Cell viability was evaluated in the Opticell (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, Mass) FA model. Cellular morphology was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining for actin and focal adhesion complexes. Gene expressions of untreated or pressure-treated PDL fibroblasts of deciduous and permanent teeth were compared by gene array and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Cell sorting resulted in cultures containing 98% of PDL fibroblasts. The Opticell model showed 94% cell survival after FA. FA increased fibroblasts' adhesion. Gene arrays and real-time polymerase chain reactions indicated greater up-regulation of DKK2 mRNA in untreated PDL fibroblasts of deciduous teeth and greater up-regulation of ADAMTS1 mRNA in pressurized PDL fibroblasts of deciduous and permanent teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Cell sorting is an efficient method to establish homogenous PDL fibroblast cultures. Using the Opticell FA model allows the maintenance of excellent cell viability. FA increased the surface adherence of fibroblasts. Up-regulation of ADAMTS1 after FA may indicate its involvement in the remodeling of the periodontium during orthodontic tooth movement. Understanding root resorption mechanisms under FA will help to prevent it during orthodontic treatment.

Measurement of friction forces between stainless steel wires and "reduced-friction" self-ligating brackets.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we assessed the friction forces between various self-ligating brackets and stainless steel orthodontic wires, subjected to different shear and bending forces in the buccolingual plane. METHODS: Three kinds of self-ligating brackets and 2 kinds of ligated controls were tested in a newly developed in-vitro system. Friction was tested with stainless steel orthodontic wire in 3 deflection states. The Bonferroni multiple comparisons test was applied to evaluate intergroup differences (P <0.05). Wire samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope before and after sliding. RESULTS: The results showed significant intergroup differences in friction resistance in response to wire deflection. In nonzero buccolingual deflections, passive self-ligating brackets developed higher friction forces, comparable with those in the conventional elastic ligation control group. The control brackets with reduced friction ligature had considerably lower friction forces than any other group. The active self-ligating bracket ranked between the self-ligating brackets and the reduced friction ligature group. A tribologic survey showed substantial surface alterations among wire samples coupled with passive self-ligating brackets. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to manufacturers' claims, this study illustrates that, in certain clinical situations, a firm passive bracket clip can have a negative influence on the wire-bracket frictional characteristics.

Alveolar Bone Morphology Following Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics: A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze alveolar bone morphology following periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics. Treated patients were called for a full periodontal examination and a cone beam computed tomography scan. Mean treatment time was 6.08 months. Mean probing pocket depth was 2.7 mm. No gingival recessions were noted. In the maxilla, buccal plate thickness was 0.48 to 2.14 mm. In the mandible, bone thickness was 0.2 to 1.82 mm. Root fenestrations and dehiscences were present in up to 40% of the anterior teeth. Although clinical outcomes were favorable, due to the presence of multiple posttreatment bone fenestrations and dehiscences, a revision of the treatment protocol might be considered.