Evaluation of Periodontal Changes in Patients Before, During, and After a Fixed Orthodontic Therapy

BACKGROUND: Periodontal complications are one of the common side effects associated with orthodontic therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal changes in patients before, during, and after the therapy with a fixed orthodontic appliance. METHODS: Out of 38 healthy adolescents with permanent dentition who were indicated for fixed orthodontic therapy were included in this study. Patients were selected from Class I, treated by non-extraction methods, by using conventional orthodontic braces. After their examination and treatment by an orthodontist, the patients were referred to the periodontist before the placement of a fixed orthodontic appliance. The patients underwent the application of a periodontal anamnestic-diagnostic protocol, and the clinical-radiological evaluation. After a fixed orthodontic appliance was placed, the respondents were referred to the periodontist for regular mandatory check-ups, initially, after three months, and later on-after 6 months, after 1 year and after 2 years until the end of orthodontic therapy. RESULTS: An increase in the mean value of the Plaque Index and Sulcus Bleeding Index was found at each check-up after the placement of a fixed orthodontic appliance. There is a statistically significant difference in the presence of gingival hyperplasia found by monitoring the changes after three and six months, and after one and two years following the start of orthodontic therapy. CONCLUSION: The assessment of periodontal changes in patients before, during and after the completion of fixed orthodontic therapy revealed that there is a strong need for mutual and close cooperation between orthodontist and periodontist during orthodontic therapy.