A Comparative Study of Gingival Health of Orthodontic Patients with Bands and Buccal Tubes on First Molars

Objectives: To calculate the gingival index of molars with bands before, and at a duration of 3 and 6 months of orthodontic treatment and to compare the scores with the other group which has buccal tubes on the molars. Materials and Methods: 30 patients each in two groups (A and B) by using the random sampling technique. Group Ahad bands cemented on the first molars while Group B had buccal tubes. The variable of gingival Index was then quantified and noted for comparison and analysis. Results: In the banded group when the gingival index was recorded before the start of the orthodontic treatment (T0), the values were low as compared to the index at 3 and 6 months (designated as T1 and T2, respectively). The recorded variable however, gave a decreased value in the bonded group. Banded teeth provided a greater surface for bacterial and foreign body accumulation and lesser surface for maintenance of oral hygiene thus resulting in inflammation around the tooth. Conclusion: When a good oral hygiene is maintained by the patient throughout the fixed orthodontic treatment a better Gingival index with time is seen when buccal tubes are used rather than bands.