The Oral Microbiota Changes in Orthodontic Patients and Effects on Oral Health: An Overview

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a considerable interest to study the biological and microbiological changes that accompany orthodontic treatment. Growing knowledge on oral microbiota allows, day after day, to identify and characterize the microbial arrangements specifically associated with oral and extra-oral conditions. The aim of the present work is to highlight any further correlations between orthodontic appliances and the qualitative and quantitative modifications of the oral microbiota, such as predisposing factors for the onset of caries, periodontal diseases, and other infections, which can impact the oral and systemic health of the orthodontic patients. When compared with subjects without orthodontic appliances, orthodontic patients reported significant qualitative and quantitative differences in supra- and subgingival plaque during the entire treatment period. Certain components of fixed appliances (mainly bonded molar brackets, ceramic brackets, and elastomeric ligatures) showed high risks of periodontal disease and tooth decay for patients. An unclear prevalence of Candida spp. and the paucity of studies on viruses and protozoas in the oral microbiota of orthodontic patients need to be further investigated. The evidence emerging from this study could guide clinicians in modulating the timing of controls and enhance patient motivation to prevent the formation of mature plaque, thus reducing the risks of oral-plaque-related diseases.

Oral Microbiota Features in Subjects with Down Syndrome and Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review

“…Furthermore, DS subjects are more predisposed to early-onset and rapidly progressive periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis, localized and generalized juvenile periodontitis and chronic periodontitis [14], further aggravated by their motor disabilities limiting their performance in oral hygiene practices [15].…”

Titanium Functionalized with Polylysine Homopolymers: In Vitro Enhancement of Cells Growth

“…Oral dysbiosis and poor oral hygiene compromise the health of the peri-implant soft tissues. Furthermore, as in gingivitis and periodontitis, which are diseases responsible for gingival inflammation and bone loss strictly associated with bacterial plaque composition and bone diseases such as osteoporosis [51,52], peri-implant sites can be equally affected by their counterparts as well. These counterparts are called mucositis and peri-implantitis [31,32] which, respectively, lead to inflammation of the mucosa surrounding the abutment and the loss of bone around the fixture, thus compromising the stability of the implant in the bone, which is resorbed and decreased [53][54][55][56].…”

Changes in Distribution of Dental Biofilm after Insertion of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

“…Contaldo et al [ 42 ] reported that quantitative changes in plaque in orthodontic patients are observed after just one week after fixation and become more consistent three months after starting treatment. In patients undergoing therapy with fixed appliances, strengthening and regular oral hygiene control are recommended in the first months of treatment.…”