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

Brief Summary

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.