Qualitative Microbiological Evaluation of Dental Plaque in Patients with Fixed Appliances and Clear Aligners

Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the different composition and oral microflora and bacterial plaque present in patients treated with clear aligners and fixed appliances.Methods: The study was conducted on 16 patients, 7 males and 9 females aged between 7 and 35 years were selected as study sample. 8 of them have been treated by fixed orthodontic appliances and 8 with clear aligners. The bleeding index was detected and a plaque sample was taken at the level of the lingual surface of the first lower right molar (46) with a sterile loop, to analyze the composition of the gram bacteria.Results: Patients with clear aligners presented a bleeding index less than 9%, while patients with fixed appliance it was ranging from 12% to 20%. In addition, patients with fixed appliances, compared to patients with clear aligners presented less than 25% Gram+ cocci; more than 50% of Gram- cocci; more than 40% of Gram+ bacilli; more than 12% of Gram- bacilli.Conclusions: Patients treated with clear aligners can maintain better oral hygiene and the composition of the bacterial flora is less pathogenic than patients treated with fixed appliances. It would therefore be appropriate to evaluate different bacterial plaque control strategies between the two orthodontic methods.