Relationship between orthodontic treatment and gingival health: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between orthodontic treatment and gingival health. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 251 patients among whom 177 were girls and 74 were boys, recruited from the records pool of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Gazi, were included in the study. Patients' treatments have been completed by postgraduate students during the period between 2006 and 2012. Patients' folders were analyzed according to their age, treatment time, and the type of orthodontic treatment. Intra-oral photographs were analyzed, and the presence or absence of visible plaque, visible inflammation, and gingival recession were recorded, and incisor inclinations analyzed on lateral cephalometric films, before and after orthodontic treatment. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found in patients treated with functional appliances before and after treatment. In patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances, visible plaque, visible inflammation, and gingival recession showed significant increases after treatment, gingival biotype did not show any significant difference. Positive correlation was found between lower incisor position and gingival recession in patients treated with fixed appliance and extraction. And also cuspids were the teeth with the highest prevalence of gingival recession. CONCLUSION Considering the relationship between orthodontic treatment and gingival health, cooperation among patients, orthodontists, and periodontists is important.