The effect of fixed orthodontic brackets on the bacterial composition of dental plaque in adolescents

Sadeq, Amal The effect of fixed orthodontic brackets on the bacterial composition of dental plaque in adolescents. Doctor of Philosophy thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Demineralisation around orthodontic brackets is a considerable risk of orthodontic treatment. It can occur very early during treatment and involve a large number of teeth with aesthetic and dental health consequences. Early detection of demineralisation is very important in terms of treatment and prevention. The presence of bacteria is one of the requirements for demineralisation to take place and it is unclear whether the type of bacteria in the plaque or the quantity of certain types of bacteria are significant influences on demineralisation. AIM: To identify any general changes in the bacterial composition of dental plaque in adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. A secondary aim is to determine the incidence of white spot lesion development and if this was related to the identified red fluorescent plaque. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Fourteen 11 to 23 year old consecutive patients attending the Orthodontic Department of Liverpool University Dental Hospital were recruited for this study. ToothcareTM and QLF were used to identify red fluorescent plaque and enamel demineralisation on the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth before and after the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances. The bacterial composition of the red fluorescent supragingival plaque was determined by DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction amplification of the 16r rRNA gene and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. 13 RESULTS: The incidence of white spot lesions was recorded as 4.2% of the total surfaces of the teeth included as detected with QLF, the development of white spot lesions was not associated with the presence of red fluorescent plaque. There were differences in the bacterial composition of red fluorescent supragingival plaque in terms of P. gingivalis, S. mutans and S. gordonii between different participants, although changes in the plaque composition between visits for the same participant was not significantly associated with the development of white spot lesions in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: With the limitations of this study, the placement of fixed orthodontic brackets in adolescents does not significantly change the bacterial composition of red fluorescent supragingival plaque around the brackets and that the development of white spot lesions cannot be correlated to red fluorescent plaque alone.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy)
Additional Information:	Date: 2011-08 (completed)
Subjects:	?? RK ??
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Dentistry
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	23 May 2012 10:57
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2022 04:35
DOI:	10.17638/00003997
Supervisors:	Pender, Neil Higham, Susan M Valappil, Sabeel P
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3997