BACKGROUND
Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) can provide information about oxidative damage in tissues. This study aimed to evaluate changes in TOS and TAS in saliva among patients with gingivitis undergoing orthodontic treatment with either conventional brackets (CBs) or clear aligners (CAs) over a 30-day period.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Thirty patients undergoing non-extraction orthodontic treatment were enrolled and divided into 2 groups (CB group, 15 patients; CA group, 15 patients). Saliva samples were collected at baseline (T0), day 7 (T1), and day 30 (T2) of treatment. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and TAS and TOS levels were assessed using ELISA.
RESULTS
In results, when clinical indices were examined, GI and PI increased, BOP decreased, and PD and CAL showed minimal change between T0 and T2. In saliva samples, TAS and TOS values increase at T1 and then decline toward T2 but remained close to baseline values. Similarly, in the CB group, TAS and TOS values increased at T1 and then decreased toward T2 but remain closed to baseline values. The changes of TAS and TOS at the time intervals within the CA group and CB group were significantly different. Although there was more change in the group CB, no significant difference was found between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Orthodontic treatment with CAs can cause oxidative tissue stress similar to that with CBs. Given similar oxidative stress data, both treatment methods could be considered for use in orthodontic treatment.

Keywords: Comparative Study; Dental Brackets; Orthodontics; Oxidative Stress; Saliva