Assessment of the relationship between treatment with a fixed orthodontic technique and the development of dental caries

Orthodontic treatment is the main treatment for achieving a well-aligned dental arch and an aesthetic smile. For this purpose, different types of fixed orthodontic appliances have been developed. Studies have shown that there is a rapid increase in the number of microorganisms around the fixed orthodontic appliances, and a slower recovery of pH in the dental biofilm. Dental caries is associated with an increase in the proportions of acidogenic and acid-tolerant microorganisms, mainly S. mutans. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between treatment with a fixed orthodontic technique and the development of dental caries in children aged 12 to 18 years. Materials and Methods 82 children are included, 41 of which are treated with fixed equipment (braces) and 41 healthy controls, which have passed through the treatment room in UMDC - Varna. The children were selected by sex and age in both groups. Results The average age of the children in both groups is 14.7 years ±2.1 years, with girls predominating (65.9%). There was a positive moderate relationship between the duration of treatment with fixed orthodontic technique and EDI (r=0.423; p=0.006) and a strong positive relationship with Gorelick (r=0.571; p<0.001). A significant difference was found in the DMFT index by gender (p=0.036). Conclusion This study shows that children treated with a fixed orthodontic technique have a significantly higher incidence and increase in active carious lesions than those without a fixed device.