Calcitonin gingival crevicular fluid levels and pain discomfort during early orthodontic tooth movement in young patients

Abstract Objectives To investigate the previously unreported presence of calcitonin (CT) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), its variations during initial orthodontic tooth movement in both tension and compression sites, and its possible association with the experienced dental pain. Design Fifteen children (mean age: 12.6 years) requiring orthodontic closure of the upper midline diastema were included. We collected GCF from the compression and tension sites of the upper right central incisor (experimental) and first bicuspid (control), before and after (1 h, 24 h, 7 d, 15 d) beginning of treatment. Calcitonin levels were determined by Western blot. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Results Calcitonin levels were higher in the compression site versus the control site at 7 d ( p  = 0.014). Intragroup comparisons showed an increment of CT between 1 h and 7 d (680.81 ± 1672.60 pg/30 s, p  = 0.010) in the compression site. No significant changes were found in the tension and control sites. Calcitonin levels and pain intensity were negatively associated during the period from 24 h to 15 d ( r  = −0.54, p  = 0.05). Conclusions CT levels in the GCF significantly increased in the compression site after the short term after application of orthodontic forces. These changes were negatively associated with the perceived patient's dental pain during the period from 24 h to 15 d.