Evaluation of Plaque Index in Patient Receiving Multi-Bracket Fixed Appliance

Abstract

Objective: To compare the plaque index in patients receiving multi-bracket fixed orthodontic treatment for various factors like gender, brushing practices, meal habits, types of brackets, types of ligations, and use of mouthwash. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Socio-demographic and clinical modalities were defined and recorded for 40 patients having multi-bracket fixed appliances. The plaque index of subjects were recorded according to the modified Silness and Loe plaque index method. The data were checked for normality and simple summary statistics were generated. Independent sample t-test was applied to determine the difference in plaque index in factors such as gender, timing of brushing, use of mouthwash, type of brackets, type of ligation ,diet and brushing practice. Result: The results of this study showed significant difference in Plaque Index for the factors such as type of brushing technique, frequency of brushing, type of brush used and usage of dental auxillaries. The other factors like gender, meal habits, type of brackets, and type of ligation were statistically insignificant. Conclusion In conclusion, it proves that the maintenance of good oral hygiene during fixed orthodontic treatment is more dependent of the brushing practices and less on the clinical practices. The subjects who comply with the use of normal and interdental brushing, the timing of brushing and frequency of brushing is less prone to plaque accumulation. Therefore, patients education on oral hygiene maintenance must be a part of the orthodontic treatment. For these reasons, proper methods of instructions in the form of verbal, brochures and video tapes must be devised and incorporated in clinical practice.