The microbiota associated with Clear Overlay Retainers: a pilot study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to investigate the influence of Clear Overlay Retainer wear on the oral microbiota.
IRAS ID
203828
Contact name
Iain Buchanan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 2 days
Research summary
Orthodontic treatment to align irregular teeth using fixed appliances is now commonplace. Following the completion of orthodontic fixed appliance treatment clear overlay retainers (CORs) are provided which cover all tooth surfaces and some of the adjacent soft tissues. To maintain tooth alignment contemporary clinical advice is that CORs are worn every night on an indefinite basis. Our concern is that CORs may provide an environment that permits microbial species to colonise and form complex microbial communities. Since these retainers are in widespread use and will be worn potentially for several decades it is important to establish whether the COR biofilm supports the growth of microbial species normally not resident within the oral cavity. If this is the case there is the possibility that CORs provide a reservoir for pathogenic microbes to cause systemic disease. This will be a cross sectional study (mostly teenagers since they are the group most commonly undergoing orthodontic treatment) attending either one high street specialist orthodontic practice or the Orthodontic Department, Glasgow Dental Hospital for retainer review and will involve no additional visits. Recruitment will take approximately 4 weeks and patients will only be eligible to join the study if they have been wearing a retainer for 6 months or more. Should the patient agree to take part in the study non-invasive samples will be taken (sample of saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, plaque, a swab from the gum and retainer and a sonicate of the retainer). Patient time commitment will be less than 25 minutes.
The specific objective of the investigation is to identify if COR wear changes the normal composition of the oral microbiota and to investigate if the COR acts as a reservoir of atypical pathogens. Information from this study may help provide guidance on suitable cleansing regimens for CORs.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0157
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion