RANK/RANKL/OPG gene polymorphisms and loss of orthodontic mini‐implants

Objective To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms (tagSNPs type) of RANK/RANKL/OPG genes with the loss of orthodontic mini‐implants (MIs). Setting and sample population One hundred and thirty‐five patients of both sexes, with mean age of 48.7 ± 10 (20‐76 years), were studied. The control group was composed of 104 patients, with no MI lost and functioning for at least 6 months and the case group, of 31 patients with at least one MI lost. Materials and methods Cells were obtained by mouthwash with 3% glucose solution for 1 minute and scraping the buccal mucosa with sterilized spatula. DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells with 10 M ammonium acetate and 1 mM EDTA. Genotyping was performed by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed (P