Longitudinal evaluation of a system for self‐monitoring plaque control effectiveness in orthodontic patients

Abstract

The effectivenes of the Plaklite as an adjunct to plaque control instruction in orthodontic patients was determined. Twenty-four subjects, aged 9-14, who were to receive full banded Edgewise orthodontic appliances, were divided randomly into 3 groups. The 1st group was a control and did not receive structured plaque control instructions. The 2nd group received plaque control instructions using the modified Bass brushing technique with no disclosant. The third group received a similar type of plaque control instructions supplemented with instructions in the use of a Plaklite to self-assess the effectiveness of plaque control. Both plaque control groups received monthly reinforcement of their initial instructions for the first 5 mo. of orthodontic treatment. The Plaque Index and Gingivitis Index were utilized to assess plaque and gingival inflammation before and after banding, and at 6-wk intervals for the first 9 mo. of treatment. These indices were recorded single blind. Plaque and gingivitis scores apparently progressively increased during the test period for the control group. Also those subjects who received a plaque control program which included the Plaklite had a more sustained improvement in plaque and gingivitis scores for the test period than the group receiving plaque control instructions only.