Gingival temperature measurements with fluoride and nonfluoride elastomeric ligatures.

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the effect of fluoridated elastomerics on gingival health. The aim of this in-vivo study was to compare subgingival temperature measurements near brackets with fluoridated elastomerics with nonfluoridated elastomerics.

METHODS

This was a prospective, longitudinal, crossover study, involving 12 volunteers. Data, including gingival temperature, gingival crevicular fluid volume, and gingival index scores, were collected weekly from the buccal aspects of 8 teeth for 8 weeks (except for a 1-week washout period). A baseline examination was carried out at week 1. This was repeated at week 2, immediately before placement of orthodontic brackets on all 4 first premolars, which were randomly allocated to receive either fluoridated or nonfluoridated elastomerics. Examinations were repeated at weeks 3 and 4, when the elastomerics were removed. After the washout period, the contrary elastomerics (either fluoridated or nonfluoridated) were placed. Examinations were repeated at weeks 5 and 6 when the elastomerics and brackets were removed. A final examination was performed at week 7.

RESULTS

There was a small, but statistically significant, increase in the gingival temperature (P = .002) after placement of the fluoridated elastomerics. There were no other differences in the markers for gingival health.

CONCLUSIONS

The mean increase in gingival temperature with fluoridated elastomers was small (0.3 degrees C) and unlikely to be clinically significant, but the implications are discussed.