The Influence of Orthodontic Treatment on Oral Microbiology

• The positioning of biomaterials in the oral cavity, such as prostheses or orthodontic appliances, can induce alterations to the oral microbiota. Orthodontic appliances have been associated with increased cariogenic risk and exacerbation of pre-existing periodontal pathologies. This is because different types of brackets, such as conventional, self-ligating, and lingual brackets, or different bracket materials, such as metallic, ceramic, and plastic, or also removable orthodontic appliances, can often cause colonization of bacteria followed by enamel demineralization and gingival inflammation. Hence, insertion of orthodontic appliances may result in an increase in retentive sites at which the bacterial plaque and potentially pathogenic species, such as periodontal or cariogenic bacteria or fungi, are able to proliferate more easily, damaging oral health and potentially general health.Another significant variable for microbial alterations is the duration the device is used inside the oral cavity; for this reason, it is evident that removable appliances have a significantly lower impact on oral microorganisms than fixed orthodontic appliances. Although changes taking place in the microbial system involve all types of orthodontic appliances, changes occur more rapidly during fixed orthodontic treatment; such alterations can be recorded only a few months after the start of treatment and can lead to deterioration in periodontal health. Furthermore, being able to remove the orthodontic appliance in order to clean both the appliance and the teeth seems to be more important for maintaining oral health than the duration of treatment.Considering the variations in the microbiota which occur with the introduction of biomaterials in the oral cavity, in particular orthodontic appliances, it is appropriate for patients to undergo personalized hygiene protocols so that the oral bacterial load is controlled and the risk of developing carious and periodontal disease is reduced.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kap (ämneskategori)