Modifications of the oral environment due fixed orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the conditions of the oral environment of different sectors of the mouth in patients before and during orthodontic treatment. Methods. A prospective study in 46 patients with fixed orthodontic treatment. Clinical and microbiological parameters of saliva and bacterial plaque were collected before treatment (t0) and at 45 (t1), 90 (t2), and 135 days (t3) after the start of treatment. Results. Before treatment, high values of ‘decayed’ component of the DMF-T and regular levels of the OHIs were registered. Fifty-seven percent of patients showed lower dental crowding. During treatment, the orthodontic plaque index OPI decreased with respect to OHIs at t0, although it maintained undesirable values for oral health (p=0.001). The buffering capacity decreased at t1 and t2 but recovered to initial values at t3 (p=0.001). Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus were isolated in all the bacterial plaque samples, with a significant increase in the posterior sector (p<0.0001). Levels of S. mutans, Lactobacillus, and α-salivary amylase in the bacterial plaque of the posterior area were increased during treatment (p=0.0002; p=0.002; p=0.0059, respectively). Conclusions. The conjunction of cariogenic risk factors, such as dental crowding, low salivary buffering capacity, high levels of α-amylase and S. mutans in bacterial plaque, high values of OPI, and low salivary flow at short times, demonstrates the importance of individualized monitoring of patients at the beginning of orthodontic treatment, especially in oral sectors where oral hygiene is more difficult.