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Evaluation of Microbial Colonisation on Clear Aligners With Different Cleaning Methods: A Prospective In Vivo
Sevan Harzivartyan1, Hanife Nuray Yilmaz2, Eser Rengin Nalbantoglu3
1Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research
|September 25, 2025
Summary
Five cleaning methods were tested for clear aligner patients. While mutans streptococci levels trended downward, no method showed a statistically significant reduction in oral microorganisms.
Area of Science:
- Oral Microbiology
- Orthodontic Technology
Background:
- Clear aligner therapy is increasingly popular for orthodontic treatment.
- Maintaining oral hygiene with clear aligners is crucial to prevent microbial contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of five distinct cleaning regimens for clear aligners.
- To assess the impact of these methods on salivary and biofilm levels of mutans streptococci and yeast.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 22 patients undergoing clear aligner treatment.
- Patients used five different cleaning methods weekly: toothbrush alone, toothbrush with toothpaste, Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, Corega Proguard, and Prokudent tablets.
- Saliva and aligner biofilm samples were collected weekly for microbial culturing.
Main Results:
- A general downward trend in salivary mutans streptococci was observed over five weeks, but without statistical significance.
- Biofilm-associated mutans streptococci were highest in week 1 and lowest in week 5, with moderate effect sizes noted.
- Yeast levels remained consistently low and showed no significant differences across the cleaning methods.
Conclusions:
- None of the tested cleaning methods demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mutans streptococci or yeast levels in clear aligner patients.
- A trend towards lower microbial counts was observed, suggesting potential benefits that warrant further investigation with larger sample sizes.
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