Plaque index in patients treated with bands compared to buccal tubes on first molars during the first six months of orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Introduction: An increasing number of individuals have been prompted to go for orthodontic treatment due to the esthetic treatment options given.  Consideration of various factors is important before the start of treatment since the entire periodontium, including the soft tissues and osseous components remodels with orthodontic tooth movement. Fixed orthodontic appliances have been shown to enhance plaque accumulation thus affecting the periodontal health. These orthodontic appliances induce transient periodontal changes without any permanent loss or there might be a greater periodontal loss than the general population. The most likely area for periodontal pathology is the interproximal areas of the molars. 

Materials and methods: This was a comparative analytical study. 60 orthodontic patients were divided in two groups (A & B) by random sampling. Group A had bands cemented on their molars while patients in group B had buccal tubes bonded to their molars. The parameter of plaque Index was measured and recorded for analysis and comparison.

Results: The variable showed increased values when the Plaque index before treatment (denoted as T0) was compared with the status at 3 and 6 months (denoted as T1 and T2 respectively) in the banded group. However, in the bonded group the parameter recorded gave decreased values showing an advantage to cleaning for maintenance of oral hygiene when buccal tubes were used. Where as in the banded group increased value of plaque index indicated lesser surface area available for cleaning and more foreign body surface available for the accumulation of bacterial plaque.

Conclusions: Buccal tubes gave a better plaque index with time than bands when used during fixed orthodontic treatment, provided that the oral hygiene is maintained.