Gingival crevicular fluid volume and periodontal parameters alterations after use of conventional and self-ligating brackets

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations on plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume after use of three different brackets types for 60 days. Setting Participants: The sample comprised 20 patients of both sexes aged 11-15 years (mean age: 13.3 years), with permanent dentition, adequate oral hygiene, and mild tooth crowding, overjet, and overbite. Methods: A conventional metallic bracket Gemini T, and two different brands of self-ligating brackets - In-Ovation (R) R and SmartClip (TM)- were bonded to the maxillary incisors and canines. PI, GI, GBI scores, and GCF volume were measured before and 30 and 60 days after bonding of the brackets. Data were analysed statistically using non-parametric tests coefficient at a 5% significance level. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation (P > 0.05) between tooth crowding, overjet, and overbite and the PI, GI, GBI scores, and GCF volume before bonding, indicating no influence of malocclusion on the clinical parameters. Regardless of the bracket design, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was found for GI, GBI scores. PI and GCF volume showed a significant difference among the brackets in different periods. In pairwise comparisons a significant difference was observed when compared before with 60 days after bonding, for the teeth bonded with SmartClip (TM) self-ligating bracket, (PI P = 0.009; GCF volume P = 0.001). Conclusion: There was an increase in PI score and GCF volume 60 days after bonding of SmartClip (TM) self-ligating brackets, indicating the influence of bracket design on these clinical parameters.