Year : 2015

Volume : Volume 5

Issue : Issue 3s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Saurav Kumar.
dr.sauravmishra29@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Fixed orthodontic appliances (FOA) promote the accumulation of bacterial plaque because FOA limit the ability of patients to perform good oral hygiene, which can lead to temporary destructive periodontal processes. A new system of thermoplastic clear aligner therapy, Invisalign®, was introduced to the field of orthodontics in 1997. It combines basic principles proposed by multiple orthodontic pioneers suggesting the use of a removable thermoplastic appliance to achieve orthodontic movement. Aim of the study: To compare the periodontal health of patients during treatment with the Invisalign system and with fixed lingual appliances. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics of the Dental institution. The ethical clearance for the study was approved from the ethical committee of the hospital. The selection was done on the basis of inclusion criteria. A total 30 adult patients between the ages of 18 and 50 who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited. The patients were assigned to 2 groups based on the treatment modality. The Invisalign group consisted of 15 patients and the conventional fixed group included 15 patients. The selected sample was analyzed with regards to demographics, particularly age, gender, income, educational level, and area of residence. Results: The mean age of Invisalign group was 39.87 years and of conventional group was 41.27 years. In Invisalign group, the number of male patients was 6 and female patients was 9. In conventional group, the male patients were 7 in number and females were 8 in number.We observed that change in plaque index was more in conventional group. Furthermore, the change in gingival index was more evident in Invisalign group. The change in probing depth was significant in conventional group as compared to Invisalign group. The change in bone level was comparatively higher in conventional group. The mean duration of treatment for Invisalign treatment was 7.26 months and for conventional treatment was 5.68 months.  Conclusion:  Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that periodontal health improved with orthodontic treatment irrespective of the treatment method. However, the effect of probing defect was statistically significant on comparing the change in both the groups. Further studies are recommended.

Keywords: Orthodontic treatment, Invisalign, Fixed orthodontic treatment.