Effect of fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment on DMFT-index

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in dental status during fixed orthodontic treatment. A total of 60 patients with diagnosed malocclusion were included. Subjects were divided in 3 groups (20 subjects in each group). The first group was treated with dental cream GC Tooth Mousse, and the second group with Fluorogal - solution with a low concentration of fluoride (0.05% F). Control group comprised 20 patients. All subjects received precise instructions for oral hygiene and exclusion of dietary intake before fixed orthodontic appliance was placed and during each control. In our study clinical oral health status (DMFT-index) was registered before and at the end of the orthodontic treatment. The subjects treated with dental cream GC Tooth Mousse at the end of the orthodontic treatment had increased DMFT-index 5.85 in comparison to the beginning of the treatment, where the average value of the index was 5.25 (however, the difference was not statistically significant). A statistically significant difference between medium values of the DMFT-index before and after the orthodontic treatment was detected in the control group. The results of this study show that DMFT-index increased in a group of dental patients undergoing orthodontic therapy with fixed appliances. The patients must follow good instructions, motivation, and control of oral hygiene during the treatment. Key words: carious lesions, fixed orthodontic appliance