Gingival response to relief and non relief removable orthodontic appliances

Abstract

The gingival state of thirty seven young patients (meanage 11.6 years) wearing simple removable orthodontic applianceswas assessed and followed at monthly intervals for 3months. For 17 of the patients, intentional relief of the appliancewas carried out in the upper right area. Statistically, theplaque index levels were similar in both “relief” and “non relief”groups and reached a similar score at 2 and 3 months.The gingival index was significantly higher in the “relief” group.