Investigate the levels of type I Collagen fragments ICTP and CTX in GCF and saliva during initial leveling and alignment of the teeth in a sample of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Type I Collagen fragments ICTP (cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen) and CTX (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen) are specific bone resorption biomarkers released in the circulation after osteoclastic bone resorption and collagen degradation and were found to be released in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva during metabolic bone diseases and active periodontitis. So the aim of the study is to investigate the levels of ICTP and CTX in GCF and saliva during initial leveling and alignment of the teeth in a sample of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The age ranges from 13-18 years old.
• Good oral hygiene.
• Clinical gingival health on the intact periodontium.
• Permanent dentition.
• Moderate crowding.
• Non-extraction treatment plan. If extraction of teeth is required, the treatment plan should allow for postponing extraction after sample collection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Systemic diseases associated with loss of periodontal supporting tissues.
• Metabolic bone diseases and systemic medications affecting bone metabolism.
• Craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and/or palate.
• Xerostomia.
• Tobacco-related habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing, etc.