Salivary pH changes under the effect of stainless steel versus elastomeric ligatures in fixed orthodontic patients: a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Fluctuations in pH of saliva during a prolonged treatment course influences the enamel demineralization progress, which is one of the complications of fixed orthodontic treatment. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate and compare the short-term effects of stainless steel (SS) versus elastomeric (EM) ligatures on salivary pH in patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment.

Methods: Seventy participants were enrolled in the study (54 female, 16 male) aged 19-36 years who met specific inclusion criteria.