Evaluation of the Effect of Different Ligature System On Microbial Attack

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of elastomeric and stainless steel ligatures on the microbiology of local dental plaque. Clinical reports have shown that patients who receive orthodontic treatment are more susceptible to enamel white spot formation. Metallic orthodontic brackets have also been found to inflict ecologic changes in the oral environment, such as decreased pH and increased plaque accumulation. Changes manifested in the oral flora included elevated Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli colonization and imposing a potential risk for enamel decalcification. The subjects were 40 patients at the beginning of their treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of the test teeth with a non-fluoridated adhesive and than arch wires were fixed by elastomers and stainless steel ligatures at the different time in same patients. There were no significant differences in account of S. mutans and Lactobacilli after the use of metallic ligature (p>0.05); elastomeric ligatures increased these level significantly (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between these groups (p<0.05)