Evaluation Of Changes In The Oral Environment With Lingual Orthodontic Appliances.

ABSTRACT

Background & Objective: Lingual orthodontics is gaining more popularity in orthodontic centers. The purpose of present study is to evaluate changes in the oral cavity with lingual orthodontic appliances. Methodology: The epidemiological study was conducted among 45 patients with lingual orthodontics. Before the start of orthodontic treatment all the patients received proper oral prophylaxis. The incidence of White Spot Lesions (WSLs), plaque accumulation and gingivitis were evaluated at the interval of one, six and twelve months using WSL index developed by Gorelick et al., (1982), Silness & Löe plaque index and Löe & Silness gingival index respectively. The Student’s t test and ANOVA test were used with a significance level of 5%. Results: The frequency of WSLs increased with the procedure of lingual orthodontics from first month (3.2%) to six (6.7%) and twelve months (7.9%). A significant increase in the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) was observed from month one to twelve months. Overall mean of PI and GI was 2.07±0.809 and 1.67±0.929 respectively among the patients. Conclusion: The occurrence of dental plaque and gingival inflammation was mostly noticed in lingual orthodontic cases as it is difficult to remove the plaque deposits around the brackets in the lingual side.