Clear Aligners vs. Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: Effects on Periodontal Health and Plaque Accumulation

Abstract

Introduction: In order to improve oral function and aesthetic results, orthodontic treatments like fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligners are frequently utilized. The purpose of this study is to compare how clear aligners and fixed appliances affect gingival health, plaque prevention, and general oral hygiene while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Methodology: For this research study patients from Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar received orthodontic treatment during a 12-month period. The research sample consisted of two groups containing 62 patients who wore clear aligners and another 62 patients with fixed appliances. The study conducted clinical examinations at baseline and then again at months 6 and 12 by measuring PI, GI, PPD, and BOP. The researchers employed both Descriptive Statistics while performing Independent T-Tests for their analysis process.

Results: The clear aligner therapy produced better outcomes regarding plaque index since participants in this group reported a mean score of 0.84 while participants wearing fixed teeth appliances registered a mean plaque index of 1.57 which proved statistically significant at p < 0.05. Aligners yielded better periodontal health scores compared to traditional fixed appliances as patients with aligners exhibited gingival index scores of 0.72 (p < 0.01) while patients with fixed appliances presented scores of 1.39. Research results showed lower probing pocket depth PPD measurements in the aligner group at twelve months (mean PPD = 2.28mm) compared to fixed appliance use (mean PPD = 2.81mm with p < 0.05 significance). The BOP percentage registered at 22.6% in the aligner group showed better results than the fixed appliance group which presented BOP at 53.2% with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Clear aligners were more advantageous than fixed orthodontic appliances because they reduced plaque formation and improved periodontal health protection. The technology represents an improved solution to preserve oral hygiene together with gingival health during orthodontic treatment. Additional research involving bigger participant samples must be conducted to validate these findings.