Abstract
AIM: To assess the link between ACLs and salivary parameters (CA VI, pH, buffering capacity, α-amylase, and SFR) in adolescents (12-17 years) with fixed orthodontic appliances. METHODOLOGY: A longitudinal observational study with 100 healthy adolescents. Stimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-application. Parameters measured included SFR, pH, buffering capacity, α-amylase, and CA VI. ACLs were diagnosed using Nyvad's criteria. RESULTS: SFR increased at one month in non-ACL patients (P ≈ 0.0283) and correlated with CA VI at three months. Buffering capacity dropped at three months (P < 0.0001) and partially recovered by 12 months. α-Amylase decreased at one and six months (P = 0.0003). CA VI positively correlated with SFR at three months and negatively with pH at one month. New caries appeared around three months, aligning with reduced enzymatic and buffering defenses. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic treatment triggers early salivary flow increases, but declines in buffering capacity, α-amylase, and CA VI between three and six months coincide with ACL onset. This high-risk phase highlights the need for early preventive care, despite parameter recovery by 12 months.