Orthodontic clinical trials: Evaluating outcomes that actually matter

Effect of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Gingival Health around Orthodontic Miniscrew Implants: A Pilot Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate the short-term effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash (MW) on gingival health surrounding orthodontic miniscrew implants (OMIs) and their overall survivability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two participants (mean age, 22.8 years) undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance treatment after maxillary premolar extraction were randomly allocated in a parallel fashion to either receive (1) MW with an active component of chlorhexidine, or (2) a placebo. Each participant received two maxillary buccal OMIs for anchorage reinforcement purposes. Participants were assessed for their gingival oral health status around all inserted OMIs and had their OMI survivability recorded at three time points; T1=1 month, T2=3 months, and T3=6 months after OMI placement. A Kaplan Meier plot was used to estimate the survival function of OMIs.

RESULTS

All randomized participants completed the follow-up period. In terms of gingival oral health, there were no statistically significant differences at any time point between the chlorhexidine MW group and the placebo-controlled group (P > 0.05). One OMI was lost in the chlorhexidine MW group and another two OMIs in the control group. There was no significant difference between both groups in terms of survivability (P = 0.585).

CONCLUSION

The use of chlorhexidine MW does not seem to have a significant clinical impact on the gingival health around OMIs or their survivability in this pilot study.