Microbial flora surrounding orthodontic temporary skeletal anchorage devices: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Orthodontic implantology
• Periodontal disease

Background:

• The oral cavity hosts a diverse microbiome that can influence host inflammatory responses.
• Inflammation around temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) can compromise their stability during orthodontic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on the types of microorganisms colonizing the area around TSADs.
• To identify potential microbial differences between successful and failed TSADs in orthodontic patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of six electronic databases was conducted up to May 2024.
• Seven prospective studies were included for qualitative analysis after independent review.
• Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale; meta-analysis was not feasible due to study heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola were identified around all TSADs.
• Significant differences in microbial profiles were observed between successful and failed TSADs.
• Failed TSADs were associated with increased Porphyromonas gingivalis, Parvimonas micra, and Enterobacter.

Conclusions:

• Diverse microorganisms consistently colonize the peri-TSAD environment.
• Specific bacterial species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, are more prevalent around failed TSADs.
• The oral microbiome composition may play a critical role in the success or failure of orthodontic TSADs.