Effects of different ligating systems on periodontal health. This study evaluated the periodontal status in fixed orthodontic appliances by using self-ligating, elastic ligating and steel ligating systems. Twentyfour patients with a mean chronological age of 13 years 10 months were selected. All patients' teeth were bonded with Edgewise and Speed brackets. The plaque index, gingival index and pocket, probing depth were recorded 3 times at intervals of 6 weeks. No clinical measurements showed any significant differences between groups. The results of this study showed that different, ligating systems show no differences in periodontal health, provided excellent plaque removal is maintained during orthodontic treatment.

Keywords: Speed, elastic, steel ligating, periodontal health