The effects of bracketless invisible orthodontics on the PLI, SBI, SPD, and GI and on the satisfaction levels in children with malocclusions.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bracketless invisible orthodontics on the plaque index (PLI), the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), the gingival sulcus probing depth (SPD), and the gingival index (GI) in children with malocclusions and on their families' satisfaction with the orthodontic treatment. METHODS The baseline data of 113 children with malocclusions were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups according to the orthodontic mode each child underwent. Group A was treated with traditional fixed braces, and Group B was treated with bracketless invisible orthodontics. The clinical efficacy, the satisfaction, the PLI, the SBI, the SPD, and the GI, the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels, the occurrence of adverse reactions, the COHIP (oral health-related quality of life scale, Chinese Version), and the changes in oral chewing function were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The total effective rate in group B was 96.49%, higher than the 69.64% in group A (P<0.05). The total satisfaction rate in group B was 98.25%, higher than the 69.64% in group A (P<0.05). Compared with group A, group B had higher PLI, SBI, SPD, and GI levels after the treatment (P<0.05), lower of TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and higher IL-2 levels (P<0.05). The quality of life and the chewing function scores in group B were higher than they were in group A (P<0.05). The incidence rate of adverse events in group B was 5.26%, lower than the 17.86% in group A (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The efficacy of bracketless invisible orthodontic treatment in children with malocclusions is higher than it is using traditional fixed orthodontic treatment, as it helps improve their chewing function, periodontal health, and quality of life, and helps reduce the inflammatory factor levels and improves their satisfaction with the orthodontic treatment.