RESUMO
The Purpose of this clinical and microbiological study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological changes occurring in mandibular first molar during fixed orthodontic treatment using molar bands. A total of 30 young adults of age between 15 and 20 years were selected for the study. The experimental groups Gr-1 and Gr-2 consisted of 10 subjects in each, who were scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment. They were seen one week before and just prior to fixation of molar bands oral hygiene instructions were given and oral prophylaxis done. Group II subjects were given instructions to use 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse twice daily as an adjunct to plaque control measures. The control group involved 10 subjects without any orthodontic treatment. After baseline clinical and microbiological evaluation all individuals were examined at 1 – month, 3-month and 6-month intervals. Following tooth – banding there was significant increase in plaque scores, gingival scores and pocket probing depths in experimental groups than in controls. Also in gr-I and gr-II, where as there was no change in, microbiota in controls. These results document the potential of orthodontic treatment. After baseline clinical and microbiological evaluation all individuals were examined at one month, three month and six month intervals. Following tooth – banding there was significant increase in plaque scores, gingival scores and pocket probing depths in experimental groups than in controls. Also a “Shift” in microbiota to more periodontopathogenic organisms is observed in Gr-1* and Gr-2**, where as there was no change in microbiota in controls.