English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy are at high risk of developing decalcification, caries and white spot lesions. AIM: As little information is available about preventive measures taken by orthodontists, this study surveyed the measures used by orthodontists those practicing in Rajasthan in prevention of such problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire regarding preventive measures undertaken before, during and after the orthodontic treatment was sent to 128 orthodontists, out of them 100 orthodontists replied to the questionnaire. All the data obtained from this questionnaire was tabulated and analyzed statistically using ANOVA test. RESULTS: Before starting the treatment, majority of orthodontists always prescribed oral hygiene instructions and recommended the use of fluoride rinses while chlorhexidine rinses and other cleansing aids were usually recommended. During the treatment when demineralization was seen developing, majority of orthodontists explained the consequences, gave extra oral hygiene instructions and recommended the use of fluoride rinses as well as other oral hygiene aids which was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). At the completion of treatment, majority of orthodontists always gave extra oral hygiene instructions and recommended the use of fluoride rinses as well as fluoride gel. Fluoride varnish, chlorhexidine rinses, oral hygiene aids like brushes and other measures such as polishing of white spot lesions were occasionally recommended which was also found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rajasthani orthodontists undertake satisfactory measures to prevent demineralization and caries within practical limits.