Assessment of Bacterial Loads of Essix Retainers in Patients Under Retention Therapy

A Protocol for the Assessment of the Bacterial Loads of Essix Retainers in Patients Under Retention Therapy: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study is to investigate the bacterial loads present on essix retainers in patients' contention therapy. Patients are randomly divided into three groups, depending on the product used for the cleansing of the retainers: Geldis, Polident tablets and water. Microbiological samples were taken from the retainers at the baseline, after 1 and after 2 months, together with Bleeding Index, Plaque Index, BEWE Index and Schiff Air Sensitivity test.

The aim of this study is to investigate the bacterial loads present on essix retainers in patients' contention therapy. Patients who wear essix retainers for contention therapy are randomly divided into three groups, depending on the product used for the cleansing of the retainers: Geldis, Polident tablets and water. Periodontal evaluation and microbiological samples are conducted at the baseline, after 1 and after 2 months.

Bacterial loads are collected from essix retainers, whereas Bleeding Index, Plaque Index, BEWE Index and Schiff Air Sensitivity test are assessed from the patients' mouth.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who completed orthodontic treatment and under Essix retainers phase.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances or clear aligners.
• Non-orthodontic patients.