Plaque Retention Research Articles

Frequency of white spot lesion with clear aligner: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the incidence of white spot lesion with clear aligners. Decalcification or whit spot lesion (WSL) is a white opacity seen on smooth surfaces because of retention of bacterial plaque. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment that is both more esthetic and more comfortable. However, there are few studies reporting the prevalence of WSL with clear aligners. Clear aligner treatment provides various advantages in maintaining oral hygiene; therefore, this systematic review was conducted of all studies that reported the frequency of white spot lesion with clear aligner therapy. Literature research was conducted on different databases electronically by using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, two independent investigators performed data extraction and analysis. Total 9,949 records were identified. However, only three articles met the criteria that were included in this systematic review. The quality assessment for included studies showed that all three studies had low quality. It was concluded that there is an increase in WSL after clear aligner therapy according to the available evidences, however, this increase is less than that reported for conventional orthodontic fixed appliances.

An Update On Early Childhood Caries – A Review

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the rapidly progressing dental carious lesions found to be affecting innumerable children around the globe in an endemic manner. Bacterial plaque retention, inadequate oral hygiene and increased frequency of sugar consumption are considered as the primary risk factors causing this lesion. Recent evidences have shown that ECC has undeniable influence on child’s growth and development which can result in early loss of deciduous dentition, insufficient space for erupting succedaneous teeth, poorly developed speech and mastication which can finally affect the child’s growth physically and in psychological constraints. Hence it is highly essential that these carious lesions have to be maintained and prevented in a therapeutically systematic manner which can benefit the child. This paper presents a review which enhances an update on Early childhood caries and details the various contributing factors and adds up the recent treatment and risk assessment strategies in ascertaining the carious lesions prior its advancement.

Evaluation of Effect of Aluminum Oxide on Flexural Strength and Surface Roughness of Conventional Heat-Cure Denture Base Resin.

Purpose:Acrylic denture base tends to fracture frequently during their service due to poor strength. The surface roughness of denture base is a critical property because denture base with rough surface will cause accumulation of food particles ,thereby leading plaque retention . Microbes such as candida albicans are seen inhabitating the surface.Materials and Methods:Conventional heat cure denture base reins(DPI) and heat cure denture base resin with incorporation of 15wt% aluminium oxide was studied in two groups with 20 samples each. A mold of size 65 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm (ISO Standard) was obtained by investing brass rectangles. About forty specimens were prepared. Specimens were divided into two groups (n = 20) coded A and B. Group A was the control group (n = 20) without addition of aluminum oxide. Group B was the experimental group (n = 20) with addition of 15 wt % aluminum oxide. All the specimens were stored in distilled water for 14 days. The flexural strength was measured using a three-point bending test in a universal testing machine, and the surface roughness was measured using contact-type profilometer.Results:Incorporation of 15wt% aluminum oxide leads to a significant increase in flexural strength and surface roughness of conventional heat-cure denture base resin.

RISK FACTORS FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE- A REVIEW

A probability or threat of damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, and that may be avoided through pre- emptive action is called as risk. This article explains about the evidence on the potential role of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with periodontal disease. It is important to understand the etiological factors and the pathogenesis of periodontal disease to recognize and appreciate the associated risk factors. As periodontal disease is multifactorial, effective disease management requires a clear understanding of all the associated risk factors. The local factors include pre-existing disease as evidenced by deep probing depths and plaque retention areas associated with defective restorations. Systemic risk factors recently have been identified by large epidemiologic studies using multifactorial statistical analyses to correct for confounding or associated co-risk factors. The study of risk in periodontal disease is a rapidly emerging field and much is yet to be learned. KEYWORDS: Periodontal disease, risk factors, host response, risk assessment

Lateral pedicle graft: A treatment modality for root coverage of localized gingival recession: A case report

Gingival recession has been defined as the apical shift of gingival margin from its physiologic level (1 to 2 mm coronal to cementoenamel junction) causing pathologic exposure of root surfaces. Mucogingival esthetic surgery is all about treatment of mucogingival esthetic alterations. Mucogingival problems may be caused by gingival recession often in association with non-carious cervical lesion or by root caries or by altered passive eruption. Patient with gingival recession frequently report to dental clinics which could lead to pain or hypersensitivity, esthetic problem, retention of plaque hence inflamed gingiva, root caries, abrasion and fear of tooth loss. Gingival recession can be treated by surgical or non-surgical means. Nonsurgical means include - restorations, crowns, veneers and gingival masks whereas surgical approaches includes various methods of increasing the width of keratinized tissue such as frenectomy in case of high frenal attachment & root coverage procedures. The lateral displaced pedicle flap was first described by Grupe and Warren in 1956. It was used to cover the isolated, denuded root surfaces that have adequate amount of donor tissue adjacent to the recipient site. The vestibular depth must be adequate to laterally slide the pedicle. A case of gingival recession is presented that was managed using LPG technique. This technique was selected because of certain advantages – single surgical area, preservation of blood supply of flap, the postoperative color being in harmony with surrounding tissue. Keywords: Lateral pedicle, Graft, Gingival recession.

Prevention of white spot lesion formation during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances

One of the main disadvantages of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is the formation of demineralisations around the brackets. These demineralisations develop because the brackets produce an increased number of plaque retention sites and a change in the oral environment, resulting in a different plaque composition. To prevent the formation of these demineralisations several methods are used during orthodontic treatment. Using additional fluoride is the best solution, for example, rinsing daily with a fluoride mouthwash, applying a fluoride varnish during every scheduled check-up, or using toothpaste with a high concentration of fluoride. The last 2 methods are less effectively incorporated in daily practice in the Netherlands due to financial or time factors. Additional measures, like using fluoride-releasing adhesives, CPP-ACP(F) or a chlorhexidine rinse appear to be less effective in reducing demineralisations. It is also important to provide specific oral hygiene and dietary instructions, based on an individual risk assessment.

Sonodynamic therapy reduces iron retention of hemorrhagic plaque.

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) plays a major role in the aggressive progression of vulnerable plaque, leading to acute cardiovascular events. We previously demonstrated that sonodynamic therapy (SDT) inhibits atherosclerotic plaque progression. In this study, we investigated whether SDT could also be applied to treat more advanced hemorrhagic plaque and addressed the underlying mechanism. SDT decreased atherosclerotic burden, positively altered atherosclerotic lesion composition, and alleviated iron retention in rabbit hemorrhagic plaques. Furthermore, SDT reduced iron retention by stimulating ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) expression in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mouse plaques with high susceptibility to IPH. Subsequently, SDT inhibited iron‐overload‐induced foam‐cell formation and pro‐inflammatory cytokines secretion in vitro. Moreover, SDT reduced levels of the labile iron pool and ferritin expression via the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐FPN1 pathway. SDT exerted therapeutic effects on hemorrhagic plaques and reduced iron retention via the ROS‐Nrf2‐FPN1 pathway in macrophages, thereby suggesting that it is a potential translational strategy for patients with advanced atherosclerosis in clinical practice.

The effect of fixed orthodontic treatment with Edgewise and Straightwire techniques on white spot lesions incidence and accumulation of Streptococcus mutans bacteria

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances, such as Edgewise and Straightwire techniques, can increase the amount of plaque retention containing Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), which can lead to white spot lesions. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyse the correlation of fixed orthodontic treatment with Edgewise and Straightwire techniques on the incidence of white spot lesions and accumulation of S. mutans. Methods: The samples consisted of three groups: control group (n=8), Edgewise technique group, and Straightwire technique group. We observed the samples at the sixth month and eighth month of the treatment, after the installation of the fixed orthodontic appliances. The observation of white spot lesions with caries detector was applied in all regions. Bacterial swabs were acquired in the lateral incisor region, then a bacterial culture procedure was carried out on selective media of S. mutans, and then a bacterial count was performed. The data was analysed using two-way ANOVA, the post-hoc least square differences test, and the Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The number of white spot lesions in the Edgewise group was higher than in the Straightwire group in the sixth and eighth month of treatment with insignificant difference (p>0.05). The number of S. mutans bacteria increased in all groups, but there were no significant differences (p>0.05). There was no significant relationship between the number of white spot lesions with the accumulation of S. mutans between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The Edgewise and Straightwire techniques increase the incidence of white spot lesions but accumulation of S. mutans with the incidence of white spot lesions has no relationship.

GINGIVECTOMY AND GINGIVAL DEPIGMENTASION AFTER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

ABSTRACTBackground : Gingival enlargement, a terminology for an increase in the size of the gingiva, is a general feature of gingival dis­eases. Gingival melanin pigmentation does not present a medical problem, but is likely to generate a concern in aesthetic function. Although melanin pigmentation is not a chief complain, this condition still need to be corrected. Clinicians are often confronted with a challenge in achieving gingival esthetics. Purpose : This case report aims to explain how to achieve esthetical and functional demands in gingival enlargement and gingival hyperpigmentation case with gingivectomy and gingival depigmentation. Case: This surgical procedure aim to retain esthetical and functional demands. Case Management: An 18-years-old male presenting with maxillary chronic inflam­matory gingival enlargement associated with prolonged orth­odontic therapy is reported. Orthodontic appliances are factors for irritation and plaque retention that interfere oral hygiene and regulate gingival inflammation. Surgical therapy was performed to provide a better aesthetic outcome and prevent plaque retention. Conclusion: The combination of gingivectomy and gingival depigmentation can resolve gingival enlargement and gingival hyperpigmentation perfectly with close proximity to the ideal gingival condition.Keyword : Gingival depigmentation, Gingivectomy, Orthodontic

Influence of porcelain firing on changes in the marginal fit of metal-ceramic fixed partial dental prostheses fabricated with laser sintering: An in vivo study.

Marginal fit is the most important criterion in the evaluation of the clinical acceptability of fixed restorations. Due to cement solubility and plaque retention, marginal gaps are potentially harmful to both the teeth and the periodontal tissues. The aim of the study was to investigate the accuracy of the fit of dental metal-ceramic bridges manufactured with the use of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and to explore the effects of porcelain firing on the marginal, axial and occlusal fit of metal-ceramic frameworks. The study involved 10 patients with 3-unit metal-ceramic restorations produced using the DMLS technique. Using the silicone replica technique, we examined the marginal, axial and occlusal fit of the dental bridges before and after ceramic firing. The Shapiro-Wilks normality test and Student's paired t‑test were implemented to analyze the mean differences in the marginal, axial and occlusal fit of the restorations before and after ceramic firing. A 95% confidence interval (CI) and discrepancy values at the level of 1% and 0.1% (p > 0.05) were applied. All the mean values of the measurements of marginal (156.08 μm), axial (95.75 μm) and occlusal (252.83 μm) gaps were lower before ceramic veneering than after ceramic veneering, when the mean value for the marginal gap was 178.17 μm, for the axial gap - 106.75 μm and for the occlusal gap - 266.00 μm. Porcelain firing caused no statistically significant differences in the discrepancy values of marginal, axial and occlusal fit. For clinical application, further improvement of the DMLS system is highly recommended. Marginal gaps in DLSM bridges significantly exceed the permissible inaccuracy values of 100-120 μm for prosthetic restorations.

Choice of the Retention Method After an Orthodontic Treatment-Rewiev

Retention is a phase of orthodontic treatment devised to keep the teeth in a correct position once the orthodontic treatment has been completed. There are three main characteristics that each ideal retainer is required to have: to keep the teeth in the correct position after orthodontic therapy, to be long lasting and resistant to mechanical damage, and to have no adverse long-term effects on periodontal tissue. Through a computer-based browsing through a number of databases (such as, e.g. PubMed and Google Scholar) we have found and analysed various articles used in this research. The inclusion criteria to be met were: an overall availability of a research paper, the requirement that these research papers are published in English, that these research papers were published in the period 2007-2019, the requirement that the research papers should involve clinically randomized studies and that their titles contain one of the predefined keywords. The database browsing that is based on the said keywords and carried out within the above time frame has resulted in finding 165 relevant articles. A complete set of the inclusion criteria were met by 8 published research papers, but 7 articles were analysed in the end. The selected articles have compared different types of fixed and mobile retainers, different times of wearing the retainers, the impact that the retainers had on the periodontium, and the acceptability of different retention protocols for patients. The conclusion of this research paper is that bonded retainers prove to be most effective in stabilising the position of the incisors, particularly the lower ones, but that their disadvantages include the reopening of the extraction space and the retention of plaque due to difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene. Vacuum-formed retainers appear to be more effective than Hawley retainers in retaining the position of the incisors, and patients have indicated that they are more acceptable to wear. Hawley retainers prove to be most effective in preserving a closed extraction space, but they do now show solid results with regard to other segments. Changes in the overbite, overjet, arch length, and anterior and posterior widths did not show any significant statistical differences in the different types of retainers. Keywords: orthodontics, retention, stability, impact

Effect of different bracket types on streptococcus mutans count in orthodontic patients using fluoridated toothpaste

Background: Plaque retention during fixed orthodontic therapy is an important cause of developing enamel demineralization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different brackets types on the count of Streptococcus Mutans in orthodontic patients using conventional fluoridated toothpaste. Materials and Methods: Plaque samples were collected from maxillary 1st premolar teeth of twenty right handed patients (using split mouth technique) before bonding, after 48 hrs of bonding using tooth brush only, and after 2 weeks of using fluoridated toothpaste. Stainless steel bracket was bonded on right first premolar while the left one was bonded with sapphire bracket. The calculation of the Streptococcus Mutans count was done using the plate counting method utilizing colony counter. The differences between the two types of brackets were determined using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Results: The median bacterial count on the right side was insignificantly higher than the left side; streptococcus mutans in the plaque sample around the sapphire brackets showed insignificantly less counts than around the stainless steel one, when the patients used tooth brush only or fluoridated toothpastes. Fluoridated toothpastes reduced streptococcus mutans insignificantly around both types of brackets. Conclusion: Fluoridated toothpaste acts effectively in reducing streptococcus mutans colony counts around sapphire and stainless steel brackets. Keywords: Streptococcus mutans, Stainless steel brackets, Sapphire brackets.

Eight to eleven-year follow-up of immediately loaded implants placed in edentulous maxillae with compromised bone volume and poor bone quality: A prospective cohort study.

There is a lack of long-term evaluations of immediately loaded implants in patients with compromised maxillary bone. To evaluate long-term survival and success of immediately loaded implants in subjects with poor maxillary bone quality and volume. Follow-up was performed on subjects who received six implants loaded within 24 hours with screw-retained fixed prostheses. Twenty-five subjects with limited bone (Lekholm and Zarb, quantity 3 and 4, and quality C and D) were included in the study. Nineteen participated in the radiographic examination and of these 17 participated in the clinical examination at the last visit. Evaluations of marginal bone loss were performed at 1, 3, 5, and 8-11 years. The last clinical examination included removal of the prosthesis followed by registration of: plaque, pus, pocket depth, bleeding upon probing, mobility, and percussion testing. The mean follow-up was 9 years and 2 months (101-131 months) after surgery and showed a cumulative implant survival rate of 81.9% and success rate of 74.7%. Mean marginal bone loss was 1.29 mm (SD 2.47 mm range 0-11 mm) with a mean pocket depth of 3.1 mm (SD 2.4 mm, range 1.5-13.5 mm). 42.5% of the implants showed plaque retention and 72.2% showed bleeding on probing. This nonaugmenting immediate loaded implant protocol for maxillary edentulous patients is a satisfactory solution for selected patients.

Amlodipine induced gingival overgrowth- A case report

Patients on anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers and immuno-suppressants therapy often experience gingival overgrowth. Oral functions like mastication, speech, tooth eruption and aesthetics is hampered by gingival overgrowth. It impacts routine oral hygiene procedures which leads to increased plaque retention and resultant inflammatory overgrowth. Similar clinical and microscopic features of overgrowth are seen with the use of different drugs. Gingival overgrowth is treated by thorough oral prophylaxis i.e. scaling and polishing, drug substitution is done only if new drug has fewer adverse effects and if overgrowth persists surgical removal of excess soft tissue is advised. This article is a case report of commonly used calcium channel blocker Amlodipine which induces gingival overgrowth in few cases. It is treated by a combination of a rigorous oral hygiene regime, and in cases where aesthetics, function or speech are compromised surgery is advised. Keywords: Gingival overgrowth, Drug, Management, Hyperplasia.

A Modified Surgical Approach for Isolated Tooth Recession

One of the major dental esthetic and functional problem that occurs frequently in patients is due to gingival recession which is the apical shifting of the gingival margin from its normal position, ultimately leading to exposure of the root surface along with pain, sensitivity, plaque retention, gingivitis, loss of attachment, and root caries posing a challenge for the clinicians. This case report presents a case of total root coverage with laterally positioned flap technique for the treatment of recession defect in mandibular tooth with complete remission of dentine hypersensitivity and excellent esthetic and functional outcomes.

The role of carious lesions in the occurrence of pathological modifications in deep periodontal level – radiographic evaluation

Abstract In the etiology of periodontal disease, dental caries act as a favoring factor. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of untreated or incorrectly treated carious lesions in the occurrence of pathological changes in the periodontal support. Material and methods: In order to evaluate the impact of the dental caries in the appearance of destructive lesions at the periodontal level, we examined 378 X-rays. The radiographies were selected based on the presence of approximal dental cavities, untreated or incorrectly treated and we appreciated the association of these factors with the presence and the level of bone resorption of the interdental septum. Results: On the 378 radiographies we examined, it was discovered the presence of 398 approximal carious lesions, of which 146 were associated with bone resorption. The examined radiographies permitted us to evaluate 1512 fillings inserted in second class cavities, of which 1103 were correctly done, and 309 were incorrect and associated with bone resorption phenomena. Incorrectly done restorations were associated with bone resorption phenomena due to the lack of contact with the adjacent tooth for 213 of these, and because of an inaccurate adaptation at the level of the gingival threshold for 96. Conclusions: The dentist has to pay a special attention to the approximal coronary restorations because these can favor the retention of bacterial plaque and, in most cases, can lead to bone loos in the alveolar ridge area.

"In Vitro" Study About Variables that Influence in Arch Friction with Conventional and Self-Ligating Brackets.

Many advantages have been described surrounding self-ligating (SL) brackets compared to metallic conventional ligating (CL) brackets, such as: Less total treatment time, alignment efficiency, patient comfort, plaque retention, and low friction. The objective of this in vitro simulation was to know the variables that affect arch displacement in CL and SL brackets—active (ASL) and passive (PSL)—and analyze if static friction values are affected by bracket design, arch wire section, kind of ligature, and use of a friction reducer agent (FRA) in a wet state. Larger values of static friction were found in CL with metallic ligature (ML) (8.01 ± 1.08 N/mm) and elastic ligature (EL) (6.96 ± 0.48 N/mm). Lower values were found in PSL brackets combined with FRA (0.58 ± 0.21 N/mm). The study was carried out using different stereographical models of a maxillary upper right quadrant with canine, first and second premolar, and first molar bonded brackets. A section of 25 mm of 0.019 × 0.025” stainless steel arch with a rectangular section (SS) and hybrid section (HY) was inserted into the different bracket models. Static friction values were collected using a universal test machine in wet conditions and testing the effect of a friction reducer agent (FRA). To assure the reliability of the study, different wire combinations were repeated after two weeks by the same operator and a linear analysis of regression was done. Each bracket model analysis—with the different wires, use of the FRA, and comparison among brackets in similar conditions—was done using an ANOVA test with a confidence interval of 95% and comparative Post-Hoc tests (LSD). In this in vitro simulation we found higher static friction values in CL compared to ASL and PSL. In PSL, lower values were achieved. CL brackets using ML showed the highest static friction values with a great variability. In this setting, the use of HY wires did not reduce static friction values in ASL and PSL, while in CL brackets with EL friction the values were reduced significantly. An FRA combined with ASL reduced significantly static friction values but not with PSL. In the case of CL, the FRA effect was higher with SS and better than with HY wires. ML values were similar to ASL static friction. The direct extrapolation of the results might be inaccurate, since all these findings should be tested clinically to be validated.

Self-Reported Changes in Oral Hygiene Habits among Adolescents Receiving Orthodontic Treatment.

The prevalence of malocclusion and a need for orthodontic treatment is high. Orthodontic appliances increase biofilm accumulation by expanding plaque retention sites. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-reported changes in oral hygiene habits among adolescents receiving orthodontic treatment. A cross-sectional study of 291 patients aged 10–17 years (mean (M) = 12.98; standard deviation (SD) = 2.36) was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Lithuanian University of Medical Sciences (LSMU) Hospital (Kaunas, Lithuania) during the fall semester (October–January) of the 2017/2018 study year. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire covered background information, experience of orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene habits and the seeking of professional dental care. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. To establish relationships between categorical variables, Chi-squared tests (χ2) were used. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was set to indicate statistically significant difference. The univariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the probability of an event given a certain risk indicator, including odds ratio (OR) and its confidence interval (95% CI). Associations were found between the usage of auxiliary measures (OR = 1.797 (1.118–2.887), p = 0.015), tongue cleaning (OR = 1.712 (1.059–2.767), p = 0.028), mouth rinsing after meals (OR = 1.707 (1.048–2.781), p = 0.032) and experience of orthodontic treatment, respectively. More orthodontic patients underwent professional oral hygiene regularly than non-orthodontic patients (p = 0.024). More patients with fixed orthodontic appliances reported significantly changed oral hygiene habits, while more orthodontic patients with removable appliances did not change their oral hygiene habits.

Surface Roughness and Necessity of Manual Refinishing Requirements of CAD/CAM-Manufactured Titanium and Cobalt-Chrome Bars – A Pilot Study

Background: Due to their increased precision, CAD/CAM generated bars (Computer-Aided Design/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing) are increasingly utilized in implant prosthodontics. For optimal clinical results, surface morphology should promote the integration of soft tissue while minimizing plaque and bacterial retention. Objective: Despite their clinical use, only limited information on the biological and clinical surface quality of CAD/CAM milled bars is available. The aim of the study was therefore to characterize the surface topography of bars of different manufacturers based on the profilometric analysis and the need for manual post-processing in the laboratory. Methods: A custom mandibular edentulous cast with four anterior implants was used as a reference cast and reproduced eight times. On each reproduction cast, corresponding scan flags were positioned and digitized. Acrylic 3D printed bar frameworks were produced and sent to the respective production center along with the digital files of the CAD bars for milling. In the course of profilometric analysis, all bars were examined in three critical Regions of Interest (ROI): Transmucosal, labial, basal. Sa and Ra values of each construction were determined. To evaluate the necessary refinishing time eight dental technicians macroscopically evaluated the bars by performing a subjective visual inspection. Kruskal-Wallis H-tests and Tukey and Kramer's post hoc tests were applied to detect differences between the samples. Results: After profilometric examination, three specimens (Dentsply Sirona: ZDC; Straumann: ZST; CAMLOG: ZCC) demonstrated surface roughness values in the biological acceptable range (Sa 0.2-0.4 μm) in the transmucosal region and provided optimal conditions for a reliable soft tissue adaptation. The Ra measurements revealed values beyond the acceptable threshold in the transmucosal region for three bars (Straumann: ZST; Dentsply Sirona: ZDC; Amann Girrbach: LAC). Four bars (LAC: Amann Girrbach; ZBC: BEGO; Datron: LDC & LDT; Zirkonzahn: ZZC) needed undesirable extensive manual rework. The evaluation of quality and time for manual post-processing by dental technicians confirmed the measurement-based ranking of the bars. Conclusion: It is desirable to define a clear roughness threshold for the clinical acceptance of transmucosal CAD/CAM generated surfaces. Clinical studies with profilometric data could help to further improve the surface quality of CAD/CAM milled bars and reduce the need for manual reworking time and effort.

Comparison of the microbial flora from different orthodontic archwires using a cultivation method and PCR: A prospective study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of superelastic nickel-titanium (SE NiTi), copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) and titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) archwires with different surface properties on dental plaque retention and microbial colonization. Totally 25 individuals, consisting of 16 girls and nine boys with mean age of 15.69±1.70, were included in this study. The effects of the SE NiTi, CuNiTi and TMA archwires with different surface properties on the amount of Streptoccocus sp and Lactobacillus sp were investigated with three different parameters including clinical periodontal indexes, microbial swab and archwire samples. Phenotypic isolation was performed from microbial swab and archwire samples using culture method; genotypic isolations were performed by the polymerase chain reaction method. There was no statistically significant difference between SE NiTi, CuNiTi and TMA archwires in terms of periodontal parameters (P>.05). When microbial swabs and archwires samples from different archwire groups were evaluated by culture method, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (P>.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the amount of Lactobacillus sp in the swab samples of the CuNiTi archwire after the purification period (P=.023). Smutans were found to be more quantity than other bacterial types in all archwires. The amount of microbial involvement was found to be lower in CuNiTi archwires than in the post-purification period. This may be due to the antimicrobial effect of copper.