Impact of Z-spring appliance and clear aligner therapy on oral microorganisms in children: A clinical trial

Authors

• İrem Kapici, From the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (Kapıcı, Güngör), Faculty of Dentistry; and from the Department of Medical Biotechnology (Yıldırım, Ataş, Çoban), Institute of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
• Özge Erken Güngör, From the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (Kapıcı, Güngör), Faculty of Dentistry; and from the Department of Medical Biotechnology (Yıldırım, Ataş, Çoban), Institute of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
• Kubra Yildirim, From the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (Kapıcı, Güngör), Faculty of Dentistry; and from the Department of Medical Biotechnology (Yıldırım, Ataş, Çoban), Institute of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
• Cemilenur Atas, From the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (Kapıcı, Güngör), Faculty of Dentistry; and from the Department of Medical Biotechnology (Yıldırım, Ataş, Çoban), Institute of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
• Ahmet Yilmaz Coban, From the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (Kapıcı, Güngör), Faculty of Dentistry; and from the Department of Medical Biotechnology (Yıldırım, Ataş, Çoban), Institute of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Z-spring appliance and clear aligners, used in anterior crossbite treatment, on dental plaque colonization in children. Methods: A 2-arm randomized controlled trial included 30 patients aged 7-12 years with anterior crossbite. Participants were divided into 2 groups: clear aligner (group A, n=15) and Z-spring appliance (group B, n=15). Dental plaque samples were collected at treatment initiation and completion, inoculated onto selective media, and analyzed for colony counts (cfu/ml) of Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ), Streptococcus mitis ( S. mitis ), Streptococcus salivarius ( S. salivarius ), and Candida albicans ( C. albicans ). Results: In group A, S. mutans counts significantly increased ( p =0.006), while C. albicans counts decreased ( p =0.039). In group B, S. mutans counts significantly decreased ( p =0.002). No significant changes were observed in S. salivarius or S. mitis counts in either group. Conclusion: Short-term clear aligner use in children increases S. mutans colonization, suggesting a potential risk for dental caries with prolonged treatment. Early preventive measures are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure better oral health outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Reg. No. ID: NCT06858033

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

825

Last Page

830

Recommended Citation

Kapici, İrem; Güngör, Özge Erken; Yildirim, Kubra; Atas, Cemilenur; and Coban, Ahmet Yilmaz (2025) "Impact of Z-spring appliance and clear aligner therapy on oral microorganisms in children: A clinical trial," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 46: Iss. 7, Article 13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250264