Cenzato N, Occhipinti C, D’amici E, Savadori P, Baldini B, Maspero C. Microbiological Analysis of Plaque and Its Composition in Three Patient Groups under Different Orthodontic Treatments.
Dent J (Basel) 2024;
12:168. [PMID:
38920869 PMCID:
PMC11203159 DOI:
10.3390/dj12060168]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This article analyzes differences in microbiological parameters and periodontal health conditions among three patient groups: those undergoing conventional orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, and a control group receiving no treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this study, 60 patients were enrolled. The microbiological analysis employed a qualitative and semi-quantitative methodology of bacterial morphotype analysis.
RESULTS
The analyses revealed a significant difference in favor of clear oral and periodontal health aligners. This could be attributed to better bacterial biofilm removal and reduced mechanical stress on the periodontal ligament, factors facilitated by the ease of clear aligner removal. Significant differences (p-value < 0.05) were observed for the Full-Mouth Plaque Score, Full-Mouth Bleeding Score, Plaque Index, and periodontal health assessment measurements.
CONCLUSIONS
Although overall hygiene appears to be improved in patients in the aligners group compared to those treated with conventional orthodontic appliances, there are no statistically significant results regarding plaque composition. Microbiological aspects will be further addressed using more specific techniques in the follow-up of this research.
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