To compare the oral hygiene status of patients with Straight wire appliance and Begg's appliance in the suburban population

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Plaque is major etiological factor in the causation of periodontal disease. Orthodontic appliances are known to accumulate plaque owing to their complex configuration. This study is to evaluate the difference in plaque accumulation both quantitatively and qualitatively, and oral hygiene maintenance, between Begg's and Straight wire appliances. Forty patients between the ages of 13 years -23 years, were subjected to oral prophylaxis to bring the plaque score to zero before the start of the study and were asked to report every 2 weeks to identify the microbial shift in plaque sample. The plaque samples were collected in 2 ml of saline containing test tubes. The disclosing solution was applied on the labial and lingual tooth surfaces and the plaque was scored with help of Quigly & Heins index. Data was analysed using SPSS software. p<0.005 was considered as the statistically significant level. Significant difference between group I and II for variables V1& V2 at each time point. Also the group II patients are showing significant increase in plaque index value at each point. Inspite of maintaining same environment the plaque accumulation and spirochetes are more in straight wire appliance than Begg's and the flora is shifting to more pathogenic form.