EFFECT OF ORTHODONTIC BAND PLACEMENT ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HUMAN INCISOR TOOTH PLAQUE

The placement of orthodontic bands reduced the pH, calcium and phosphorus levels and increased carbohydrate levels in the incisor plaques of 13 adolescent subjects. Maxillary plaques showed lower pH, Ca and P levels and a tendency for higher carbohydrate levels than corresponding mandibular plaques. The results are consistent with the view that pH influences plaque composition. They also provide an additional explanation concerning the trapping of food and plaque which increases dental caries susceptibility after the placement of orthodontic bands. © 1979.