Analysis of Plaque Microflora in Patients Pretreatment and during Treatment with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: An In vivo Study

Abstract

Aim:The study analyzed plaque microflora to compare the growth of periodontopathogens-Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella nigrescens and Campylobacter rectus in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Samples of plaque microflora from gingival crevices from incisors, and molars were collected by sterile periodontal probe at four different time periods-first was taken before placement of fixed appliances (T0) considered to be control group, then at 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), and 5 months of starting fixed treatment (T3). The samples were transported to the laboratory and processed within 24 hr using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: The statistical significance of intragroup comparisons was done using test RMNOVA. The colony-forming units at different follow-up intervals showed a significant increase in all tested periodontopathogens except A. actinomycetemcomitans which showed no significant increase. Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic treatment can interfere in normal oral hygiene which can initiate plaque accumulation further leading to inflammation due to increase in periodontopathogens. Therefore, oral hygiene should be constantly monitored for plaque control.

Effectiveness and Efficiency of Orthodontic Treatment Using Fixed Appliances Versus Aligners: A Systematic Review

“…This suggests that the periodontal changes involved in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances are not permanent, and can return to normal, provided that patients practice effective oral hygiene. Patients must therefore be informed that their oral hygiene aimed at eliminating dental plaque must be rigorously followed throughout treatment [25].…”