A 6- and 12-Month Follow-Up of Periodontal Outcomes in Orthodontic Patients With Custom Versus Standard Molar Bands: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Background: Molar bands, essential for orthodontic anchorage, may negatively influence periodontal health. Custom bands are expected to provide better adaptation and supragingival positioning compared with standard bands. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate differences in bleeding on probing (BOP) between custom and standard bands after 12 months. Secondary objectives included comparison of plaque control record (PCR) and probing depth (PPD). Methods: This retrospective clinical study analysed 60 orthodontic patients treated between May 2023 and February 2025. Participants were divided into two cohorts: custom bands (n = 30) and standard bands (n = 30). PCR, BOP and PPD were measured at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Data normality was tested with the Shapiro–Wilk; intergroup comparisons used Mann–Whitney or t-test; intragroup changes were analysed with Friedman/ANOVA as appropriate. Results: At 12 months, BOP increased by 28% in the Standard group versus 16% in the Custom group (between-group difference: −12%, 95% CI: –18 to −6; p = 0.01). PPD increased by 0.5 mm in the Standard group versus 0.2 mm in the Custom group (between-group difference: −0.3 mm, 95% CI –0.5 to −0.1; p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed for PCR (p = 0.47). Conclusions: Both band types negatively affected periodontal health over time, but Custom bands were associated with reduced bleeding and probing depth. Customised design and supragingival placement may represent a preventive strategy during fixed orthodontic therapy.