Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To perform a longitudinal comparison of periodontal status in allergic individuals treated with conventional and nickel-free braces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two individuals allergic to nickel were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving conventional braces (n = 21) and those receiving nickel-free braces (n = 21). Periodontal status (gingival hyperplasia, change in color and bleeding) was assessed before treatment (T0) and at 3-month intervals for 12 months (T1, T2, T3, and T4), using the Löe Index. Evaluations were performed blindly by a single, calibrated examiner, followed by prophylaxis and orientations regarding oral hygiene. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test for comparisons of the gingival index between groups and Friedman's test for successive comparisons between sessions in the same group (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: Periodontal status did not differ between groups in the initial 9 months of treatment, whereas significant differences were found at T3 and T4 (.039 and .047, respectively). Individuals wearing conventional appliances had higher mean gingival index scores than those wearing nickel-free braces. CONCLUSION: Individuals with an allergy to nickel exhibit better periodontal health when treated with nickel-free braces than with conventional braces.