Bacterial Diversity in Gum Health With Fixed vs Removable Retainers After Braces

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This prospective interventional study will compare gingival sulcus microbiota and periodontal health between two retainer types after orthodontic treatment. Ten adults will be assigned to fixed mandibular retainers or removable Essix-type retainers, with standardized oral hygiene guidance. Clinical periodontal assessments and subgingival plaque sampling will occur across five visits to track changes over time. The study uses 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize bacterial communities and relates them to gingival health indicators. The goal is to determine how retainer type influences oral microbiota and periodontal status after treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Treatment involving both dental arches
* Permanent dentition with at least 24 teeth
* Treatment duration longer than 12 months
* Treatment using the Versatile MBT system with a 0.022-inch slot

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with systemic disease or taking medications that may affect periodontal health
* Inadequate restorations or active carious lesions
* iodontal disease
* Plaque index greater than 20% before placement of the retainer or during the study
* Use of oral antiseptics within the previous 6 months or during the study period
* Use of antibiotics within the previous 14 days or during the study period
* Smokers
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Presence of open gingival embrasures, crowding, or dental malposition in the mandibular anterior region after orthodontic treatment

Where it's running

• University Dental Clinic
  Murcia, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ascensión Vicente, DDS PhD
• Email: ascenvi@um.es
• Phone: +3486888664

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Vitamin D and the body's anti-inflammatory response in gum disease

  This study tests whether vitamin D can modulate the body's anti-inflammatory response in people with gum disease.

  Recruiting Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital · Rize · NCT07636733

• Online self-check to identify your gum disease risk and guide preventive care

  This project will test whether an online questionnaire can accurately identify gum disease risk in adults with natural teeth.

  Recruiting Universiti Sains Malaysia · Abhā, 'Asir Region · NCT07410351

• Blood and saliva markers to track gum disease and healing after non-surgical cleaning

  This project tries to see if a blood score (HALP), other blood inflammation markers, and salivary MMP-8 can help identify gum disease stage and predict healing after non-surgical periodontal cleaning in adults aged 18–65.

  Recruiting Erzincan University · Merkez, Erzincan · NCT07312045

• Examining Salivary Cytokine Levels in Different Periodontal Conditions

  This study is trying to see if the levels of certain proteins in saliva can help us understand the differences in gum health between people with healthy gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

  Recruiting Izmir Katip Celebi University · Izmir, Çiğli · NCT06961409

• Conventional versus 3D-printed twin block appliances: bacteria, surface texture, and effectiveness

  This trial will test whether 3D-printed twin block appliances work as well as conventional ones and whether they attract more bacteria or have rougher surfaces in growing children with Class II Division 1 malocclusion.

  Recruiting University of Malaya · Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur · NCT06944860

• Comparing Novosyn and Monosyn sutures in gum surgery

  This study is testing if two types of stitches used in gum surgery help wounds heal just as well in adults.

  Recruiting Aesculap AG · Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia · NCT05813236

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.