Periodontal Health in Adults Treated With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances or Clear Aligners

This prospective observational study will compare the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligners on periodontal health during the initial three months of orthodontic treatment. Thirty systemically healthy adults will be included in two groups of fifteen according to the orthodontic treatment modality received. Prior to appliance placement, all participants will undergo standardized non-surgical periodontal treatment and receive oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal parameters, including plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level, will be assessed at baseline, following periodontal treatment, and at the third month of orthodontic therapy. Patient-reported outcomes related to oral health-related quality of life, gingival symptoms, and oral hygiene difficulty will also be evaluated. The study aims to determine whether periodontal and patient-reported outcomes differ between fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligners during the early phase of orthodontic treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18 years or older * Systemically healthy individuals * Periodontally healthy individuals or those diagnosed with gingivitis * Probing pocket depth of 3 mm or less, with no clinical attachment loss and no reduced periodontium * Indication for orthodontic treatment * Orthodontic treatment planned without tooth extraction * Less than 5 mm of dental crowding in both the maxillary and mandibular arches, as determined by Hayes-Nance arch-length discrepancy analysis Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals * Individuals with systemic disease that could influence periodontal status * Current use of cigarettes or other tobacco products * Individuals with a history of initial periodontal therapy within the preceding six months * Individuals who had previously undergone orthodontic treatment