RANKL, OPG, and BALP Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluids as a Biomarker on Alveolar Bone Remodeling in the Retention Phase of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment aims to correct malocclusion by applying orthodontic equipment that can transmit mechanical forces to the teeth, resulting in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The main problem in this treatment is the occurrence of relapse, so the post-treatment retention phase is critical to prevent relapse. Measuring potential biomarkers of alveolar bone remodeling is a proposed innovation in identifying alveolar bone deposition and resorption in the retention phase. This review highlights the role of essential biomarkers in alveolar bone formation, namely levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and alveolar bone resorption, namely receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) through gingival crevicular fluids. This level measurement is non-invasive and can predict the rate of alveolar bone remodeling to help determine the success of orthodontic treatment.