ORAL HYGIENE AMONG PATIENTS WITH ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

Abstract

Introduction. The oral hygiene of patients with orthodontic appliances is a process that is quite important for the success of the treatment and often difficult to perform. An important role here is that the dentist and the orthodontist work together and make a good team. Materials and method. There were investigated two groups of patients (a group of fixed and mobile orthodontic patients and a control group) aged between 10 and 27 years. As methods, the Silness & Löe Plaque Index and a questionnaire of 5 questions about oral hygiene were used. Results: Plaque index had higher mean values in patients with orthodontic appliances. It was also found from the questionnaire answers analysis a greater care for oral hygiene among patients in orthodontic treatment. Conclusion. Additional care for oral hygiene may be the solution for maintaining balance during orthodontic treatment.

Keywords

• dental plaque
• orthodontic appliances
• oral hygiene