Evaluation of short term effect of fixed orthodontic therapy on periodontal health

Background: To determine the short term effect of fixed orthodontic therapy on periodontal health and to find out which of the ligation techniques adhere more amount of micro organisms. Methods: Total of 30 subjects were selected in the age range of 18 to 25 years in the study. on the first day (T0) Quigely Hein plaque index was performed using two tone dye and bonding was carried out half of the quadrant was ligated with elastic module and half of the quadrant with steel ligature, patients were recalled after 2nd day(T1) of bonding, bracket bond index was carried out. same patients were recalled after 30th day of bonding, Quigely Hein and bracket bond plaque index were performed. Elastic module and steel ligature from either quadrant were removed and placed in the vials containing Stuart transport media were sent for total bacterial count. Results: results were subjected for statistical analysis and it was found that Quigely Hein and Bracket Bond plaque indices revealed higher plaque scores on the side where elastomeric modules were used when compared to ligature wire. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the microbial counts were increased in case of elastic module than the steel ligature. Furthermore, the findings of the present study demonstrated a link between accumulations of more amount of plaque on elastic module than the steel ligature.