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Scheie AA, Arneberg P, Krogstad O: Effect of orthodontic treatment on prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in plaque and saliva. Scand J Dent Res 1984; 92: 211-7.Abstract -The effect of orthodontic treatment on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans was investigated in 14 subjects. Insertion of appliances tended to give a transient decrease in S.mutans levels, in both plaque and saliva, possibly due to elimination of S.mutans reservoirs by the banding procedure. After 3 months of extensive banding, the S.mutans proportions surpassed pretreatment levels in saliva and on banded teeth, whereas unbanded surfaces only showed a slight increase. It was thus concluded that creation of new retentive areas favors the local growth of S.mutans, which in turn increases the general infection level of this organism. Time was, however, needed before elevated levels were reached. Insertion of appliances tended to eliminate the characteristic gradient of S.mutans levels within the dental arches.

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20 patients (18 - 50 years) with pathological attrition of upper and/or lower anterior teeth were treated, as a temporary measure, by means of a partial chrome-cobalt splint covering the palatal surfaces of the six upper front teeth. Tantalum implants to provide reference points were placed in the basal portion of upper and lower jaw bones. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken with and without the splint at the beginning of treatment and thereafter every two months till the difference between measurements was as small as possible. Changes in the occlusal face height were evaluated. Measurement reliability proved to be very high. Continuous use of the splint caused intrusion of the front teeth and eruption of the others in all patients. The intrusion was on an average 1.05 mm and the eruption 1.47 mm after 6 - 14 months, indicating a possible potential for tooth eruption in human adults. More eruption than intrusion appeared to take place in the youngest age groups. Sexual differences could not be established. Use of the splint did not cause the common symptoms of mandibular dysfunction. Lisping was the most serious complaint.