There was an increase in PI score and GCF volume 60 days after bonding of SmartClip™ self-ligating brackets, indicating the influence of bracket design on these clinical parameters.

A dynamic alteration in the oral microbiota may lead to inflammatory reactions in the supporting soft and hard tissues. The different types of brackets interfere with bacterial adherence. Bracket design should be considered in orthodontic treatment.

Objectives: To assess periodontal parameters and microbial species levels after orthodontic appliance placement in patients who received oral hygiene instructions and who were monitored and motivated throughout the study. Materials and Methods: The Periodontal Index was recorded and saliva collection was performed before (T0) and 30 (T1), 60 (T2), and 90 (T3) days after orthodontic appliance placement in 15 patients (mean age 17.53 6 8.0 years). Analysis was carried out using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed. Results: The Periodontal Index did not change. The total amount of the purple and red complexes and Candida species showed a significant decrease from T2. The green, yellow, and orange complex showed a significant decrease at T3. The specific species analysis showed that Prevotella nigrescens, Pseudomonas putida, Fusobacterium periodonticum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Tanerella forsythia showed high incidence before bonding, and their levels decreased at T2 and T3. Only Porphyromonas gingivalis showed increased levels at T2 and displayed the highest level at T3. The Streptococcus group decreased their levels from T2 onward. Conclusions: A dynamic change in microbial levels was identified. The decrease in the levels of complexes present was only possible due to the mechanical method of oral hygiene implemented in this sample. (Angle Orthod. 2019;89:25-32.)

Objectives Enamel demineralization is among the main topics of interest in the orthodontic field. Self-ligating brackets have been regarded as advantageous in this aspect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the break homeostasis in the oral environment and the levels of microorganisms associated with dental caries among the different types of brackets. Material and Methods Twenty patients received two self-ligating brackets: In-Ovation ® R, SmartClip TM , and one conventional Gemini TM . Saliva was collected before bonding (S0), 30 (S1) and 60 (S2) days after bonding. One sample of each bracket was removed at 30 and 60 days for the in situ analysis. Checkerboard DNA-DNA Hybridization was employed to evaluate the levels of microbial species as-sociated with dental caries. Data were evaluated by nonparametric Friedman and Wilcoxon tests at 5% significance level. Results The salivary levels of L. casei (p=0.033), S. sobrinus (p=0.011), and S. sanguinis (p=0.004) increased in S1. The in situ analyses showed alteration in S. mutans (p=0.047), whose highest levels were observed to the In-Ovation ® R. Conclusions The orthodontic appliances break the salivary homeostasis of microorganisms involved in dental caries. The contamination pattern was different between self-ligating and conventional brackets. The In-Ovation ® R presented worse performance considering the levels of cariogenic bacterial species.