Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the morphological changes of oral mucosa epithelial cells in contact with fixed orthodontic appliances using exfoliated cytology. This study was conducted on 100 individuals that were divided into two groups (50 each). Buccal cytological smears were collected from the control group and case group at 3 to 6 months after the application of orthodontic appliances. Slides were stained with papanicolaou stain and analysed using a light microscope. In the case group, 43 out of 50 patients (86%) exhibited morphological changes which included variable degrees of atrophy in epithelial cells; nuclear fragments and inflammatory cells infiltrate. Epithelial cells showed some morphological changes in patients with orthodontic appliances, which represent an adaptive response.