# Periodontal and microbiological evaluation in cleft lip/palate patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: An in vitro study

## TL;DR

This study examines periodontal and microbiological factors in cleft lip/palate patients during orthodontic treatment.

## Contribution

The study reveals that stainless steel brackets promote more biofilm formation than ceramic brackets in cleft patients.

## Key findings

- Stainless steel brackets showed significantly greater biofilm formation than ceramic brackets.
- Elevated IL-1β and MMP-8 levels correlated with higher microbial load in gingival crevicular fluid.

## Abstract

Periodontal and microbiological characteristic among cleft lip and/or palate patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment is of
interest. Plaque and saliva samples showed high prevalence of Streptococcus mutans (83%), Lactobacillus spp.
(67%), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (55%). in vitro analysis showed significantly greater biofilm
formation on stainless steel brackets compared to ceramic brackets (p < 0.01), confirmed by SEM imaging. Elevated levels of
IL-1β and MMP-8 in gingival crevicular fluid were positively correlated with microbial load (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). Thus, the
influence of bracket material on biofilm formation and local inflammatory response is shown.