Quantitative Assessment of Serum Nickel and Chromium Levels in Orthodontic Patients: An in vitro Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze quantitatively the serum fluid levels of nickel and chromium in orthodontically treated patients due to biodegradation of the appliance over a period of time using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 24 patients undergoing Begg’s fixed appliance mechanotherapy between the age group of 12 to 18 years, with 12 males and 12 females consuming mixed diet. Six nonorthodontically treated individual were considered as controls. The experimental group consisted of patients wearing the appliance from 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months; with each group consisting of 6 samples: Three males and three females. Results: Results obtained indicated that although nickel level in the serum was significant initially in the samples when compared to the controls, there was a gradual decrease of serum nickel level when the appliance was present for a longer duration. However, serum chromium levels showed no significant changes with time.