Biofilm and clinical data between volunteers with self-ligating and conventional brackets: an observational study

Introduction:  Fixed orthodontic appliances can lead to enamel demineralization and gingival changes due to increased biofilm. Aim: To detect the presence of Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Streptococcus mutans, Scardovia wiggsiae, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis in oral biofilm and presence of white spot lesions and gingivitis in users of self-ligating and conventional brackets. Design: This observational controlled study was conducted from January to December 2020. The participants used fixed orthodontic therapy for 6 months and were divided into a conventional and a self-ligating bracket group. The participants underwent clinical examination, and biofilm samples were collected from their lower incisors. Results: No differences were found in the bacteria detection between the groups (p>0.05). However, white spot lesions were more common in users of self-ligating brackets (p=0.019). There was no association between clinical data and the detection of any microorganism (p>0.05). The fluorescence intensity of A. actinomycetemcomitans was higher in self ligating brackets than in conventional brackets (p<0.05). Implications: The microbial diversit did not differ between the types of brackets; however, the presence of white spot lesions and the amount of A. actinomycetemcomitans were higher in patients with self-ligating brackets.