Enhancement of Streptococcus mutans Colonization by Direct Bonded Orthodontic Appliances

Abstract

Patients undergoing orthodontic therapy were evaluated for longitudinal changes in relative S. mutans numbers in plaque at discrete sites on the tooth surface associated with direct bond appliances. There was a significant linear increase in the percentage of S. mutans in the total streptococci isolated from the last pre-bracket sample through the last bracket sample.