Purpose: The aim of the present investigation was: 1) to study the development of biofilm and the mutans streptococci (MS) colony forming unit (cfu) in connection with steel wires and elastomeric rings in orthodontic patients, with and without 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (0.4% SFG); 2) determine the MS cfu in orthodontic patient's saliva before and during the treatment. Method: Sixty orthodontic patients were divided into two groups: with (Group I) and without (Group II) 0.4% SFG, for 4 minutes. Elastomeric rings were used for ligation on one side of the dental arch midline, whereas steel wires were used on the opposite side. 2.0mL saliva samples were collected in test tubes before and during orthodontic treatment. At fifteen and thirty days after the orthodontic treatment beginning, biofilm samples from the steel wires and elastomeric rings were collected from the teeth: 13, 22, 31 and 42, and put into sterile test tubes with PBS and glass beads. Saliva and biofilm samples stirred during two and one minutes, respectively, submitted to tenfold dilution, 50µL dropped equidistantly on the SB20 agar and incubated under candle jar system at 37°C, during 2-3 days. Further on, two pieces of steel wires and elastomeric rings were put into CaSaB broth and incubated during 24 to 48 hours at 37°C, for biofilm formation. After on they were processed for SEM analysis. Results: The number of MS in the saliva and biofilm were not statistically significant between the teeth fitted with elastomeric rings and steel wires, and between Group I and Group II. SEM showed biofilm formation on both ligature ties. Conclusion: Topical application of 0.4% SFG in orthodontic patients and these two methods of ligatures ties does not prevent dental decalcification, since there is not significant decrease of the MS number in the saliva and biofilm.

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