Research on plaque removal by sonic toothbrush for patients with a fixed orthodontic appliance

Cha, Kyung Suk

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to evaluate and compare the plaque removal ability of sonic brushing and manual brushing in order to present a method for continuous and effective oral hygiene control during orthodontic treatment. Nonextracted adolescent patients (male : 23 persons, female : 37 persons) and adult patients (male : 15 persons, female : 45 persons) outfitted with a fixed orthodontic appliance from their incisors to second molar, in both the maxilla and mandible, were divided into manual brushing and sonic brushing groups. A Philips oral healthcare HX-4401 sonic toothbrush was used, and the application of brushing for the two groups was standardized at two minutes. After brushing the plaque score was measured with a modified Wilkin's PHP. The following results were achieved after comparing each group's plaque score. 1. In patients with a fixed orthodontic appliance when age was not accounted for, the application of sonic brushing exerted a beneficially decreased effect on the plaque score. (adolescents : p<0.01, adults : p<0.05) 2. When comparing the adolescent and adult groups in regard to plaque score, the adolescent group showed a more decreased effect. 3. When using the same toothbrush type, there was no difference between the adolescent and adult groups.