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Microbial colonisation on elastomeric modules during orthodontic treatment - an in vivo study

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Original Article

Author Details : Kinjal Mavani, Vijay Naik, Kishor Bhatt

Volume : 2, Issue : 2, Year : 2016

Article Page : 43-49

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Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the presence or absence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli from the elastomeric modules and to study its extent at different intervals of time during orthodontic treatment.
Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 30 patients were selected for arch wire ligation with commonly used elastomeric modules (3M Unitek). One elastic module collected at regular intervals of at the pre-treatment (T0), at end of 1st week (T1), 5th week (T2) &8th week (T3) forisolation and assessment of the microbial growth. These collected modules were cultured & incubated to check for the presence or absence of Streptococcus Mutans & Lactobacilli and numbers of colonies were counted at each interval. Results obtained were subjected to Wilcoxon matched Paired Test to compare the growth statistically.
Results: The study revealed that there is presence of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli during orthodontic treatment. With increased duration of time, there was progressive increase in the colonization of these microbes on the elastomeric modules. Conclusion: On placement of elastomeric modules for ligation and its evaluation at different intervals of time i.e. 1st, 5^th & 8th week, there is statistically significant rise in the microbial colonization of Streptococcus mutans & Lactobacilli during orthodontic treatment. Thus, on examination of elastomeric modules over a scheduled period of time microorganisms were isolated which indicates that patients undergoing fixed mechanotherapy and ligated with elastomeric modules should exercise maximum oral hygiene with oral hygiene adjunctive aids other than routine brushing and the orthodontist should take appropriate measures to avoid any iatrogenic damage and alteration of the oral environment.

Keywords: Elastomeric Modules, Microbial Colonization, Orthodontic Treatment

How to cite : Mavani K, Naik V, Bhatt K, Microbial colonisation on elastomeric modules during orthodontic treatment - an in vivo study. IP Indian J Orthod Dentofacial Res 2016;2(2):43-49

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