Impact of Treatment with Full-fixed Orthodontic Appliances on the Periodontium and the Composition of the Subgingival Microbiota.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of fullfixed orthodontic appliances on the periodontium in adult patients.

Methods: Seventeen periodontally and systemically healthy subjects were selected from the Periodontal Clinic of Guarulhos University, 7 males and 10 females (mean age: 38.3 ± 6.3 years). The patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were submitted a clinical examination, a cone beam computed tomography at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. Subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Statistical analysis was performed by a Wilcoxon test.

Results: The percentage of sites with visible plaque increased (p =0.003), but no significant reduction in marginal bone was observed. The mean periodontal pocket depth was reduced (p=0.001) and the clinical attachment level significantly improved (p =0.001). There was a significant reduction in the mean proportions of the Actinomyces sp and an increase in the orange complex species. The proportions of the red complex species remained unchanged.

Conclusions: In spite of increase in plaque accumulation no significant clinical or tomographic iatrogenic changes in periodontally healthy adults undergoing orthodontic full-fixed appliance treatment could be detected. The microbiological changes did not affect the periodontal parameters in monitored adult patients that received short period of orthodontic treatment.