Evaluating the presence of aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, porphyromonas gingivalis levels in patient's self- ligating brackets

The impact of self-ligating brackets on periodontal health remains uncertain, particularly regarding colonization by key pathogens such as <i>aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i> and <i>porphyromonas gingivalis</i>. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate microbial changes in 40 orthodontic patients fitted with self-ligating brackets. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, 1 month and 3 months and analyzed using real-time PCR. Results showed a significant rise in <i>P. gingivalis</i> and a moderate increase in <i>A. actinomycetemcomitans</i>, with the highest accumulation observed around posterior brackets. Thus, we show that self-ligating brackets may favor pathogen colonization, highlighting the importance of strict oral hygiene measures to reduce periodontal risks.