Microbial and Periodontal Changes Associated With Conventional Versus Self Ligating Brackets

Microbial and periodontal changes associated with conventional versus self ligating brackets.

Protocol submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirements of Master Degree in Orthodontics

Accumulation of biofilm on the tooth surfaces is associated with increased levels of oral streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli, which have been proved to be responsible for the onset of enamel demineralization and periodontal disease.

It has been shown that fixed appliance provides large number of retentive areas for plaque accumulation and impedes oral hygiene.

Three methods are currently used to connect the arch wire to the brackets, which are : ligation with stainless steel ligatures , using elastomeric ligatures, and the self-ligating brackets. , Each of these method has it's advantages and disadvantages, concerning the biofilm retention and the level of microorganisms. , Orthodontic treatment with conventional brackets my presents some periodontal changes caused by difficulty in oral hygiene maintenance, greater accumulation and qualitative alteration of plaque. Thus, in order to control oral hygiene and plaque level during fixed appliance therapy, manufacturers introduced self-ligating brackets (SLBs) which have been claimed to provide better oral hygiene and less plaque accumulation, because of fewer retentive sites for microbial colonization; without the need for stainless steel and elastomeric ligature. Clinically, the side effects of fixed orthodontic treatment, such as the qualitative bacterial shift, are manifested as plaque associated gingivitis, an increase in pocket probing depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing.

Fewer studies have compared conventional and self-ligating brackets in relation to oral hygiene, microbial count and periodontal indices. Therefore, the present study will be conducted to evaluate and compare microbial and periodontal changes with conventional and self ligating brackets.

The aim of this study will be to compare microbial and periodontal changes associated with conventional versus self ligating brackets.

Subjects and method

Study design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial

Study setting and population:

The sample of this study will be consisted of forty five patients selected from Outpatient Clinic, Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Boys, Cairo, Al-Azhar University.

Interventions:

The patients will be divided randomly into three groups and will be treated separately as follows:

• Group I: will be treated using conventional stainless steel orthodontic brackets ligated with stainless steel ligature.
• Group II: will be treated using passive self-ligating stainless steel orthodontic brackets.
• Group III: will be treated by active self-ligating stainless steel orthodontic brackets.

Records:

For all patients the following records will be taken before and after treatment:

1. Standardized Orthodontic study cast.
2. Standardized intra oral and extra oral photographs.
3. Standardized panoramic radiograph.
4. Standardized lateral cephalometric radiograph.

Observations:

• Periodontal parameters: The following clinical parameters will be recorded at baseline before treatment and at monthly interval for 6 months after bonding;

1. Pocket probing depth .
2. Plaque index (Silness and Loe) .
3. The presence or absence of bleeding on probing .

• Microbial parameters:

Plaque sample will be taken at base line and at monthly interval for six months after bonding. The sample will be taken from the maxillary left canine, second premolar and the right central incisor and the mandibular right canine, second premolar and the left central incisor.

Plaque sample will be send to laboratory for isolation of streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. The isolated strains will be cultured and counted.

Ethical consideration:

All patients will clearly understand the purpose of the study and give their consent by signing an informed consent (attached copy of the consent form).

Patient's instructions:

Instructions form (a copy attached) will be signed by all patients and their parents before commencing the study.

Data management and analysis:BN All the obtained results will be gathered and statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 16, Inc., Chicago, Ill).