Comparison of the rate of orthodontic space closure, with and without probiotic supplements: A randomised control trial

Abstract

To compare the rate of orthodontic space closure with and without systemic administration of probiotics. Cluster randomised controlled trial, an invivo RCT study. Forty-eight male patients undergoing orthodontic fixed appliance treatment were recruited based on purposive sampling technique and randomly allocated to group A (control) and group B (experimental). During retraction, the patients in the experimental group were given 90 probiotic capsules each and instructed to take one capsule per day along with breakfast for 90 days. The distance between the canine and 2nd premolar on the maxillary arch in both groups were measured using a digital vernier calliper. The measurements were taken before starting the retraction, after 30 days, after 60 days and after 90 days of retraction. The collected data was calculated and tabulated for statistical analysis. Independent t-test revealed that pre retraction, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the control and experimental. Post retraction, there was significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean retraction value of the control group than the experimental group. Paired t-test showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the control group than experimental after 30 days of probiotic therapy month and a highly significant (p<0.01) difference between control and experimental groups after 60 days of probiotic therapy. There was no significant difference in the rate of orthodontic space closure between the groups after one month of probiotic therapy. There was a significant reduction in the rate of orthodontic space closure in the probiotic group when compared with the control group after two months of probiotic therapy.