Markers of paradental tissue remodeling in the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of orthodontic patients

Oral fluid markers of the mechanisms associated with paradental tissue changes that account for tooth movement could help identify, assess, and improve tooth movement. Identified markers fit three main categories: metabolic products of paradental remodeling, inflammatory mediators, and patient-response modifiers, and enzymes and enzyme-inhibitors that are patient-derived. To develop useful clinical tools, these markers must be quantified and linked to clinically meaningful phenomena, such as the type and speed of orthodontic tooth movement, retention of tooth positions, resorption of tooth roots, and pain experience or developmental stage of the patient. Currently, progress in this area has been limited because of the paucity of studies that have measured both the applied variables and outcomes of orthodontic stimuli. This chapter will present an overview of the study of markers in oral fluids during orthodontic tooth movement to date and prospects for the future.