The Impact of Fixed Orthodontic Ligatures on Periodontal Health

Introduction: Dental plaque is a primary etiological factor in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease. Orthodontic appliances can complicate oral hygiene, leading to increased plaque retention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of elastic versus wire ligatures on periodontal health in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients aged 13–18 years participated in this study. All received fixed appliances, with elastic ligatures applied to the right side of the jaw and wire ligatures to the left. Periodontal status was assessed using the Plaque Index (Silness and Löe) and the Gingival Index (Löe and Silness) at three-time intervals: T1, before appliance placement; T2, one week post-placement; and T3, three months post-placement. Results: At T3, a significant increase in plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and bleeding was observed on the side with elastic ligatures compared to the side with wire ligatures, which showed a reduction in these parameters over time. Conclusion: The type of ligature significantly affects periodontal health in orthodontic patients. Our study found that wire ligatures were associated with better periodontal outcomes than elastic ligatures, shedding light on the importance of selecting suitable ligation methods. These findings underscore the necessity of maintaining rigorous oral hygiene to mitigate adverse periodontal effects during fixed orthodontic treatment, providing valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners and researchers.