This study investigated whether orthodontic force influences the production of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in vivo, both of which are affected by cortical activation. Mechanical force was applied to the maxillary premolars of orthodontic patients by fitting the transpalatal arch prior to cortical activation of the gingival tissue. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were then collected from each patient using paper strips before and after 1, 3, 7 or 14 days of treatment. The OPG and RANKL levels in the GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The levels of OPG were significantly increased after 1 day of fitting the appliance and decreased to basal levels at 3 days after fitting. In contrast, the RANKL levels were dramatically decreased at 1 day after fitting, but recovered to those of the untreated control at 3 days after the force application. The force-mediated changes in the OPG and RANKL levels of the GCF were unaffected by cortical activation during these experimental periods. Collectively, these results suggest that an acute and severe change between the OPG and RANKL levels plays an important role in stimulating the cellular responses required for alveolar bone remodeling by orthodontic treatment.

A QM-ISP-4 Planetary Mill was employed to activate mechanically the mixtures of anatase and corundum at room temperature for different times. The milled powder mixtures were then sintered at for 1 h. The XRD results showed that the milled powder mixtures were completely transformed into after sintering, except the mixtures milled for 5 and 10 hours. The SEM observations showed the typical morphology of rod-like vary in the range: widths from 0.6 to , and lengths from 3.0 to . The rod-like formation was attributed to the positive effects caused by the mechanical activation.