Investigation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of removable retention appliances on patients

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine and compare the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Hawley and Essix removable retainers on tissues. Materials and Methods: In our study, 50 patients whose fixed orthodontic treatment was completed were randomly divided into two groups (n = 25). For retention purposes, Hawley appliance was used patients in the first group, and Essix retainers was used patients in the second group. For genotoxic evaluation, saliva samples were taken before using the appliance (TG0), 1 month (TG1) and 3 months later (TG2) and 8-OHdG, Nrf2 and Keap1 values were examined. Swab samples were taken before the device was used (T0) and 14-21 days later (T1) and micronucleus, pyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyolysis parameters were evaluated. Results: While the 8-OHdG value was initially high in the Essix group, it was found to be high in the Hawley group at the 1st and 3rd month measurements. While the Nrf2 value was found to be high in the Essix group at the beginning, there was no significant difference between the groups in the 1st and 3rd month measurements. While there was no difference in Keap1 value between the groups at baseline and 1 month later, it was found to be high in the Hawley group at the 3rd month measurement. Micronucleus, pyknosis, karyorrhexis and karyolysis values were found to be higher in the Essix group at time T1. Conclusion: Although it was seen that the toxic effect of Essix retainers was high in the early examinations made with swab samples (14-21 days), long-term saliva analysis results (3 months) showed that Hawley appliances caused more mutations in DNA.