Comparison of the Periodontal Status of Patients Undergoing Labial and Lingual Orthodontic Therapy

Aim To compare the periodontal status in relation to the lower anteriors of patients between labial and lingual orthodontic therapy. Materials and methods The study includes a total of 20 patients in the age group of 20-30 years. All the included patients were selected with limited lower anterior crowding within 0-8 mm. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: labial (n=10) and lingual (n=10) fixed orthodontic therapy. The periodontal status was evaluated using three indices, plaque index, calculus index, and gingival index, at two different treatment intervals - the first month and the third month - of orthodontic treatment.  Results The values of all the three indices at both time intervals were tabulated. There was no statistical significance when compared to the values in the first month. In the third month, all three indices were statistically significant for both labial and lingual therapy (p<0.001). The lingual appliance had more plaque and calculus accumulation. Conclusion Therefore, the study proves that the lingual surface of patients undergoing lingual orthodontic treatment exhibits more plaque and calculus deposition, thereby the weakening of the periodontal status.