Dental plaque associated with self-ligating brackets during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment: A 3-month preliminary study

• Published in: Journal of Orthodontic Science Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 7 - 11
• Main Author: Al-Anezi, Saud A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd 01.01.2014; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Original; Dental plaque; orthodontic treatment; periodontal inflammation; microbiological analysis; self-ligating brackets
• ISSN: 2278-1897; 2278-0203; 2278-0203
• DOI: 10.4103/2278-0203.127550

To compare changes in the amount and distribution of dental plaque associated with placement of elastomeric modules over a self-ligating bracket during orthodontic treatment and to relate these changes to the periodontal inflammation. A cross-arch randomization trial was carried out at Bristol Dental School, United Kingdom. Clinical measurements of periodontal inflammation and plaque accumulation and microbiological test were done on 24 patients aged 11-14 years [Mean (SD) age = 12.6 (1.01) years] wearing fixed appliances (Damon 2 brackets, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA) at the start and 3 months into fixed orthodontic treatment. In the first 3 months of treatment there was no statistically significant difference in bleeding on probing between incisors with and without elastomeric modules (P = 0.125 and 0.508, respectively). The difference in plaque accumulation was not statistically significant (P = 0.78). The difference in probing depths between the incisors was not statistically significant (P = 0.84). The microbiological analysis showed no difference. Based on this preliminary 3 months study, elastomeric modules were not significantly associated with any increased risk during treatment when compared to self-ligating brackets. The longer term studies are needed to further confirm the findings of the present study.