Comparative Evaluation of Bacterial Colonization Color Stability and Halitosis of Oral Appliances Fabricated Using Cold Cure Acrylics, Heat Cure Acrylics and Thermoforming Sheets: An In Vivo Study

AIM: Removable oral appliances form an integral part of interceptive orthodontic procedures. Bacterial colonization leading to halitosis and poor color stability are the major disadvantages of the same in spite of patient acceptability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate bacterial colonization, color stability, and halitosis from the oral appliances fabricated using cold cure, cold cure under pressure pot, heat cure acrylics, thermoforming sheet, Erkodur and antibacterial thermoforming sheet, Erkodur–bz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 40 children was divided into five groups and the appliances were delivered. Bacterial colonization and halitosis were evaluated before giving the appliance to the patient after 1 and 2 months. Color stability was evaluated before giving the appliance to the patient and then after 2 months. This study was designed as a single-blinded randomized clinical trial. RESULTS: Results have shown that after 1 and 2 months, bacterial colonization was higher from the appliances fabricated with cold cure and was lower for the Erkodur group, which was statistically significant. Color stability was more from the appliances fabricated with Erkodur and was less for cold cure, which was statistically significant. Halitosis after 1 month was more from the appliances fabricated with cold cure and less from Erkodur group, which was statistically significant. After 2 months, halitosis was more from the cold cure group and less from Erkodur group, which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Thermoforming sheet, Erkodur showed better results than other groups in terms of bacterial colonization, color stability, and halitosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: When removable appliances are indicated for minor orthodontic tooth movement, Erkodur is preferable due to the advantages of easy fabrication and less bacterial colonization. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Madhuri L, Puppala R, Kethineni B, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Bacterial Colonization Color Stability and Halitosis of Oral Appliances Fabricated Using Cold Cure Acrylics, Heat Cure Acrylics and Thermoforming Sheets: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):499-503.