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. 2025 Jan 25;55(1):3-14.
doi: 10.4041/kjod24.001. Epub 2024 Aug 29.

Evaluation of the effects of obesity on orthodontic tooth movement

Mustafa Uzun  1 , Mine Geçgelen Cesur  1 , Ömer Erdoğan  2
Affiliations

Evaluation of the effects of obesity on orthodontic tooth movement

Mustafa Uzun et al. Korean J Orthod. .

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate bone remodeling in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during canine distalization in obese individuals and compare it to that in normal-weight individuals. Additionally, the orthodontic tooth movement rates of obese individuals were measured and compared with those of normal-weight individuals.

Methods: Thirty-six patients (18 obese and 18 normal-weight) aged 12-18 years who were candidates for maxillary first premolar extraction for Angle Class II malocclusion were included in the study. The two groups were formed according to World Health Organization guidelines. A normal-weight group (body mass index [BMI] 16-85%) and an obese group (BMI ≥ 95%). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected before, 24 hours after, and on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the application of the distalization force. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure leptin, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in GCF samples. In addition to the recorded GCF sampling times, the amount of canine tooth movement was calculated using digital models obtained on the 28th day and 3rd month.

Results: Leptin, RANKL, OPG, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the obese group (P < 0.05). The digital model measurements displayed high rates of repeatability (ICC 0.990). The difference in the amount of tooth movement between groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Although obese and normal-weight individuals showed different biomarker levels during tooth movement, there were no significant differences in the amount of movement.

Keywords: Biomarker; Leptin; Obesity; Orthodontic tooth movement.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distalization mechanics with mini-screws.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distance measurement through digital model.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change of distance measurements in groups over time. Before (T0), 24 hours after (T1), and on the 7th (T2), 14th (T3), 21st (T4), 28th (T5) days and 3rd month (T6) of the application of the distalization force. **P < 0.01.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Scatter plot of change in leptin level and tooth movement in the first 21 days.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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