BACKGROUND To assess the association of periodontal status of the patients with and without orthodontic treatment. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 520 patients (220 undergoing orthodontic procedure and 300 non-orthodontic patients). Periodontal health status was assessed using community periodontal index and loss of attachment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and level of significance used was 5% level. RESULTS Overall mean number of segments for bleeding component (Score 1) was 0.86 ± 0.708, that of calculus (Score 2) 0.30 ± 0.460, for shallow pockets (4-5 mm) (Score 3) 0.33 ± 0.744 and for deep pockets (6 mm or more) (Score 4) 0.38 ± 0.476. Patients with orthodontic appliances had poor periodontal status than the non-orthodontic patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment have increased the level of periodontal status as it leads to more retention of food debris. Hence, these patients should be motivated to maintain good oral hygiene.