Orthodontic Treatment and Oral Health Dynamics
Summary
Orthodontic treatment harnesses controlled forces to correct malocclusion and optimise occlusal function, yet its mechanical interventions invariably perturb the oral ecosystem. Fixed appliances—comprising brackets, archwires and ligatures—create retentive niches that promote plaque accumulation, alter salivary flow dynamics and may precipitate enamel demineralisation or gingival inflammation. Removable systems, particularly clear aligners, offer improved aesthetics and hygiene access but can induce shifts in microbial composition and metabolic activity, heightening risk for white spot lesions. Contemporary research employs high-throughput sequencing and metabolomic profiling to chart microbial succession and host–microbe interactions during treatment. Findings underscore the influence of appliance design, surface characteristics and adjunctive antimicrobial strategies on biofilm architecture. Patient-centred variables—such as age, oral hygiene adherence and salivary parameters—further modulate treatment outcomes. Integrating these insights enables clinicians to tailor appliance selection, reinforce preventive regimens and anticipate periodontal or cariogenic sequelae, thereby enhancing both therapeutic efficacy and long-term oral health.
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Orthodontic Treatment and Oral Health Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in orthodontic treatment and oral health dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Orthodontic appliance: A fixed or removable device used to apply forces for tooth movement and jaw alignment.
Biofilm: A structured microbial community adhering to surfaces, enclosed in a self-produced matrix.
Dysbiosis: A disruption of the normal microbial balance associated with disease risk.
White spot lesion: An early stage of enamel demineralisation, visible as opaque white areas on tooth surfaces.
Periodontopathogen: A microorganism implicated in the initiation or progression of periodontal tissue destruction.
Metabolome: The complete collection of small-molecule metabolites present within a biological system at a given time.
References
- Influence of elastomeric and steel ligatures on periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Progress in Orthodontics (2024).
- Microbiome and metabolome associated with white spot lesions in patients treated with clear aligners. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2023).
- The Oral Microbiota Changes in Orthodontic Patients and Effects on Oral Health: An Overview. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2021).
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