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Bacterial Diversity Study Using 16S rRNA Sequencing of Periodontal Samples From Patients With Orthodontic Retainers

NCT07718061 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 10

Last updated 2026-07-28

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

After completion of orthodontic treatment, a retention phase is required to prevent relapse of tooth malposition. Fixed retention in the mandibular anterior region is commonly used. This type of retainer is bonded to the lingual surfaces of the canines and incisors and may hinder oral hygiene, thereby promoting bacterial plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Currently, probably due to the increasing use of clear aligner therapy, clear removable Essix-type retainers are becoming more widely used. Since these retainers can be removed by the patient, they may facilitate oral hygiene. However, studies assessing gingival health and the composition of the subgingival microbiota in patients wearing orthodontic retainers remain scarce.

Therefore, the aim of this study will be to assess the composition of the gingival sulcus microbiota and gingival health in patients wearing fixed or removable orthodontic retainers.

Ten adult patients who have completed orthodontic treatment will be recruited and divided into two groups:

1. Fixed retention group.
2. Removable retention group.

Periodontal parameters will be assessed, and bacterial plaque samples will be collected from the gingival sulcus at five time points:

T0: Bracket removal and dental scaling appointment. Periodontal parameters will be assessed, and plaque samples will be collected before bracket debonding and dental scaling.

T1: Retainer placement appointment, three days after T0. Periodontal parameters will be assessed, and plaque samples will be collected before retainer placement.

T2: One month after retainer placement.

T3: Three months after retainer placement.

T4: Six months after retainer placement.

Conditions

  • Fixed Orthodontic Retainer
  • Orthodontic Appliances, Removable
  • Orthodontic Appliance Complication
  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontal Diseases

Interventions

DEVICE

Fixed Orthodontic Retainer

A fixed lingual orthodontic retainer bonded to the mandibular anterior teeth, extending from tooth 33 to tooth 43

DEVICE

Removable Essix-Type Orthodontic Retainer

A clear removable Essix-type orthodontic retainer prescribed for 22 hours of daily wear

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Universidad de Murcia

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Antonio J Ortiz Ruiz, MD PhD · Universidad de Murcia

Study Design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
40 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-12
Primary Completion
2027-07-31
Completion
2027-07-31

Countries

  • Spain

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07718061 on ClinicalTrials.gov