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°C) and unlikely to be clinically significant, but the implications are discussed.