Comparison of Plaque Removal Efficacy of Different Toothbrushes in Clear Aligner Patients

Mersin University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Clear Aligner Therapy; Oral Hygiene in Orthodontic Patients; Dental Plaque Accumulation

Treatments: Device: Powered Toothbrush; Device: Manual Toothbrush

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07383636

2024/1110

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of manual and powered toothbrushes in removing dental plaque in patients undergoing clear aligner orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligner treatment uses attachments bonded to teeth to facilitate tooth movement. These attachments may increase plaque accumulation around the tooth surface. Poor plaque control can lead to dental caries and periodontal problems.

In this study, patients receiving clear aligner treatment will brush their teeth using either a manual or a powered toothbrush. Dental plaque levels around attachments will be evaluated before and after brushing using a modified plaque index.

The results of this study may help determine whether one type of toothbrush is more effective than the other in maintaining oral hygiene during clear aligner therapy.

Full description

Dental plaque is a complex biofilm and a primary etiological factor in the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Orthodontic treatments may increase plaque accumulation due to the presence of attachments bonded to the tooth surface.

Clear aligner therapy has become increasingly popular due to its esthetic and removable nature. However, attachments used during treatment may compromise oral hygiene by promoting plaque retention, particularly in the gingival region.

This study is designed to evaluate and compare the plaque removal effectiveness of manual and powered toothbrushes in patients undergoing clear aligner orthodontic treatment.

A total of 14 patients receiving clear aligner therapy will be randomly assigned to either a manual toothbrush group or a powered toothbrush group. Dental plaque accumulation around attachments will be assessed before brushing (T0) and after a standardized two-minute brushing period (T1) using the Modified Plaque Index adapted for orthodontic patients.

Plaque scores will be evaluated at multiple tooth surfaces (mesial, distal, occlusal, and gingival) and analyzed both on a patient-based and tooth-based level. Attachments will also be categorized as conventional or optimized, and plaque reduction will be compared between attachment types.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of different toothbrush types in maintaining oral hygiene in patients treated with clear aligners.

Enrollment: 14 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners
• Presence of bonded attachments on teeth
• No known systemic diseases
• Not using any regular systemic medications
• Right-handed individuals (actively using the right hand)

Exclusion criteria

• Age < 18 years
• Absence of attachments on teeth
• Presence of any systemic disease
• Regular use of systemic medications
• Left-handed or ambidextrous individuals

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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14 participants in 2 patient groups

Manual Toothbrush Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants brushed their teeth for 2 minutes using a manual toothbrush following standardized oral hygiene instructions during a routine orthodontic visit.

Treatment:

Device: Manual Toothbrush

Powered Toothbrush Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants brushed their teeth for 2 minutes using a powered toothbrush following standardized oral hygiene instructions during a routine orthodontic visit.

Treatment:

Device: Powered Toothbrush