title: Enhancement of Streptococcus mutans colonization by direct bonded orthodontic appliances.
abstract: Patients undergoing orthodontic therapy were evaluated for longitudinal changes in relative S. mutans numbers in plaque at discrete sites on the tooth surface associated with direct bond appliances. There was a significant linear increase in the percentage of S. mutans in the total streptococci isolated from the last pre-bracket sample through the last bracket sample.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D010512:Periodontal Index; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000166:cytology*