Effect of 2 elastomeric ligatures on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a nonconventional elastomeric ligature (Slide; Leone, Florence, Italy) with those of a conventional elastomeric ligature (Ormco, Orange, Calif) on microbial flora and periodontal status in orthodontic patients.


METHODS
A total of 13 orthodontic patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were selected for this study. The use of Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic appliances was tested. Microbial and periodontal records were obtained before bonding and 1 and 5 weeks after bonding. For the statistical analysis and calculations, SPSS software (version 15.0; SPSS, Chicago, Ill) was used. In the statistical decisions, P <0.05 values were accepted as significantly different.


RESULTS
No significant differences between Slide and conventional elastomeric ligatures were evident at 1 week or 5 weeks after bonding, with regard to gingival index, plaque index, gingival bleeding index, or pocket depth scores (P >0.05). Similarly, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria counts did not differ significantly on the surface or on the elastics (P >0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the Slide ligatures cover the total surface of the bracket, they do not cause significantly more plaque accumulation or periodontal problems than do the conventional elastomeric ligatures.
Specialist doctor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address: ozlemmartiakgun@gmail.com.
Ozlem Marti
OM
Akgun
Specialist doctor, Department of Orthodontics, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Handan
H
Altug
Associate professor, Department of Orthodontics, Haydarpasa Gulhane Medical Academy, Istanbul, Turkey.
Seniz
S
Karacay
Associate professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Günseli
G
Guven Polat
Specialist doctor, Department of Microbiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Serhat
S
Duyan
Associate professor, Department of Microbiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Orhan
O
Bedir
D000293:Adolescent; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification; D058491:Bacterial Load; D018441:Biofilms; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000145:classification / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000382:microbiology*; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000145:classification / Q000382:microbiology; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000145:classification / Q000382:microbiology
D020724:Elastomers