Clinical and enzymatic evaluation of the effect of dietary vitamin C on orthodontic tooth movement.

Aim and objectives: To evaluate the effect of dietary vitamin C supplementation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement during canine retraction by comparing individuals receiving supplementation with those who are not. Additionally, to analyze changes in selected enzymatic biomarkers in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Materials and methods: This study included 28 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment followed by first premolar extraction and levelling. Participants were divided into two groups: Group I received dietary vitamin C supplementation (500 mg chewable tablets), while Group II served as controls without supplementation. Canine retraction was carried out using NiTi closed coil springs delivering 150 g force with absolute anchorage provided by mini-implants, and digital scans were recorded at R0(before retraction) and R1(75 days). The rate of canine retraction was calculated as the distance moved per time. GCF was collected at baseline (T0), before retraction (T1), and after 75 days (T2) and analyzed for alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase levels using ELISA. Results: The vitamin C group demonstrated significantly greater maxillary canine retraction compared to controls, with mean values of (3.20 ± 0.84 mm) vs. (1.96 ± 0.60 mm) in males and (2.86 ± 0.38 mm) vs. (1.73 ± 0.31 mm) in females. Alkaline phosphatase and Acid phosphatase levels increased significantly over time in both groups, with a greater rise in the vitamin C group. Conclusion: Dietary vitamin C supplementation significantly accelerated canine retraction and enhanced bone remodeling enzyme activity during orthodontic treatment.