title: Periodontal status of first molars during orthodontic treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The most important aetiological factor of periodontal disease is plaque deposition around gingival margin. The aim of the study was to investigate the negative changes in periodontal health (increase in pocket depth) of first molars in fixed orthodontic treatment and to discuss the available options to avoid it.
  
  
  METHODS
  Group A (6 month of treatment) comprised of 45 patients, compared to Group B (12 month of treatment) comprised of 45 patients. Initial pocket depth of first molars checked before placement of molar bands in both groups of patients, then for Group A patients pocket depth evaluated after 6 month of treatment and for Group B patients pocket depth evaluated after 12 month of treatment period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In patients with 6 months of treatment the pocket depth of molars mostly falls between 1.5 and 2.0 mm. In some severe cases it exceeded 3 mm. In patients at 12 months of treatment pocket depth was greater than 6 month group and it mostly fell in the range of 2.0-2.5 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increase in pocket depth showed that plaque deposition leads to periodontal destruction around molar bands. Patient motivation to maintain oral hygiene and regular scaling will minimise hazardous effects.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Dr. Irshat-UI-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. drimtiaz75@hotmail.com
authors: Imtiaz
authors: I
authors: Ahmed
authors: Saif ul Haque
authors: Rozina
authors: R
authors: Nazir
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003773:Dental Plaque; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D055815:Young Adult