Table 1.

Description of the PICO (Population Intervention Comparator Outcomes) strategy used to develop the research and the bibliography.

Acronym	Description
Population	Patients with fixed orthodontic appliance with conventional or self-ligating edgewise brackets.
Intervention	Assessment of the amount of biofilm and microbiota attached to conventional or self-ligating brackets.
Comparison	Through the levels of biofilm accumulation on conventional or self-ligating brackets.
Outcomes	Measurement of colonies of Streptococcus mutans and/or their effects on periodontal tissues.