Systematic plaque control in children undergoing long-term orthodontic treatment

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to study any additional effects of systematic plaque control procedures on oral hygiene, caries and gingival status in school children subjected to long-term orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. The material comprised 60 school children requiring orthodontic treatment. In all patients a standard edgewise technique was used in both arches. The study included three consecutive periods, namely an introductory period, an active orthodontic treatment period and a retention period. During the introductory period of 1½ months each participant received oral hygiene education given directly on a verbal basis. At the beginning of active orthodontic treatment the patients were divided randomly into four groups: three test groups (A, B and C) and one control group. Each group consisted of 15 individuals. During this period of 24 ± 3.5 months the test groups each received a specific systematic plaque control programme based on mechanical and/or chemical prevention delivered every 3 weeks by a specially trained dental nurse. The children in the control group rinsed with a placebo solution only. During the retention period of a minimum of 12 months no prophylactic sessions were enforced. The final examination was performed 6 months after retention. The results show that following an introductory period including intense dental health education a high level of oral hygiene control can be established and maintained. As a result initial caries and gingival inflammation only occur to a minor degree. Under such circumstances additional prophylactic measures did not further improve individual oral cleanliness and dental health.