CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF GINGIVAL OVERGROWTH INDUCED BY FIXED ORTHODONTIC THERAPY

Aim of the study The purpose of our study is to present the clinical aspects of gingival overgrowth induced by orthodontic therapy and to highlight the tissue changes of this gingival lesion. Materials and methods Biopsies of the gingival mucosa were taken from subjects diagnosed with gingival overgrowth and who were undergoing orthodontic therapy. The gingival mucosa samples were processed in the histology laboratory of University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova and the usual histological staining (hematoxylin-eosin) was performed. Results Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a condition characterized by an increase in gingival size, often observed in patients undergoing orthodontic therapy. The gingival enlargement begins o two or three months after the insertion of orthodontic appliance. The main causes of gingival overgrowth during orthodontic treatment include increased plaque accumulation due to challenges in maintaining oral hygiene with fixed appliances. Another cause is represented by the excessive pressure exerted by the orthodontic forces on the periodontium.Various factors influence the development of gingival overgrowth, including gender, age, and duration of orthodontic treatment. Conclusions Gingival overgrowth of orthodontic etiology can take on various clinical and morphological aspects and depends on the status of oral hygiene, the duration and correctness of orthodontic therapy.