Biocompatibility evaluation of orthodontic composite by real-time cell analysis

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of three different light-cured orthodontic composites. Material and methods: Light Bond (Reliance orthodontic products), Grengloo (Ormco corporation), and Kurasper F (Kuraray Europe GmbH) were selected for the experiment. Specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions, measuring 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. Fibroblast cells were obtained from healthy gingival connective tissues. The composite cylinders were incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's culture medium for 72 h according to ISO 10993-5 standards. The xCELLigence method was used to evaluate fibroblast cell vitality. After seeding 200 mL of the cell suspensions into the wells (20,000 cells/well) of the E-plate 96, gingival fibroblasts were treated with bioactive components released by the orthodontic composite materials and monitored every 15 min for 121 h. Results: There were no significant differences between the human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cell indexes of the control and all testing groups (p > 0.05) at 24 and 48 h. Light Bond demonstrated statistically significant decrease in HGF index (p < 0.05) at 72 h, but there was no significant difference among the Kurasper F, Grengloo, and untreated control groups (p > 0.05). Light Bond (p < 0.001) and Grengloo (p < 0.05) groups had lower HGF cell index values when compared to untreated control group, but Kurasper F demonstrated no significant differences between the control groups at 96 h (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Orthodontic composite materials include biologically active components and may change oral tissue. So, biocompatible orthodontic bonding composites should be used.