Relationship between fixed orthodontic treatment and oral hygiene. Patients self-reported attitudes and habits

Abstract

Aim and objectives: The objective of this evaluation was to assess data regarding the frequency, guidelines, and products associated with oral hygiene (OH) in orthodontic patients.

Material and methods; This study was a analysis conducted among orthodontic patients. Thirty patients, comprising twenty-five in the fixed orthodontic appliance and five in the removable orthodontic cohort, satisfied the inclusion criteria. A paired t-test was performed on all tested variables to evaluate intra-group and inter-group differences at each observation. p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: All of the patients in the control and study groups were comparable regarding age, gender and initial plaque and gingival indices values ​​(p > 0.05). The eighth week plaque and gingival indices of the test group were also significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that conventional verbal and written instructional treatments are more effectively complemented by hands-on assisted training programs, contingent upon the orthodontist's limitations. A longer educational intervention correlates with improved preservation of plaque and gingival indices.