American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics
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Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop · Dec 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffectiveness of three different types of electric toothbrushes compared with a manual technique in orthodontic patients.
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances are at risk of developing carious white spot lesions and gingival inflammation because of the challenge of oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to evaluate under home conditions the effectiveness of three different types of electric toothbrushes during active appliance therapy: Interplak (Bausch & Lomb, Berlin, Germany), Rota-dent (Rota-dent, Kusnacht, Switzerland), and Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover (Braun/Oral-B, Kronberg, Germany). A manual technique, which included normal toothbrush, interdental brush, and dental floss, served as reference. ⋯ Patients with poor oral hygiene who used Rota-dent and Braun Oral-B Plaque Remover OD5 had statistically significantly lower plaque scores compared with the manual technique (p < 0.01; p < 0.05); for patients with good oral hygiene, these differences were neutralized. It may be concluded that electric toothbrushes of the new generation are a real alternative to the often laborious manual tooth cleaning procedures used during active appliance therapy. Patients with poor oral hygiene may benefit from them especially because plaque removal can be achieved easier and faster.