Periodontal Health in Adults Treated With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances or Clear Aligners

Comparative Effects of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances and Clear Aligners on Periodontal Health

This prospective study compares the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances (braces) and clear aligners on periodontal health during the initial three months of orthodontic treatment. Thirty systemically healthy adults were allocated into two groups of fifteen. Prior to appliance placement, all participants underwent standardized non-surgical periodontal treatment and received oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal parameters, including plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and probing measurements, were assessed at baseline, following periodontal treatment, and at the third month of orthodontic therapy. Patient-reported outcomes regarding oral hygiene difficulty and quality of life were also evaluated. The study aims to determine which appliance type is associated with more favorable periodontal outcomes and easier oral hygiene maintenance during the early phase of orthodontic treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 18 years or older
• Systemically healthy individuals
• Periodontally healthy individuals or those diagnosed with gingivitis
• Probing pocket depth of 3 mm or less, with no clinical attachment loss and no reduced periodontium
• Indication for orthodontic treatment
• Orthodontic treatment planned without tooth extraction
• Less than 5 mm of dental crowding in both the maxillary and mandibular arches, as determined by Hayes-Nance arch-length discrepancy analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• Individuals with systemic disease that could influence periodontal status
• Current use of cigarettes or other tobacco products
• Individuals with a history of initial periodontal therapy within the preceding six months
• Individuals who had previously undergone orthodontic treatment