Extrait

Background and study aims Orthodontic treatment is a type of dentist treatment which aims to improve the appearance, position and function of teeth that are crooked or in an abnormal position in the mouth. One such treatment is fitting an orthodontic brace for a set period of time to correct the positioning of the teeth or to straighten them. Wearing orthodontic braces, however, can make maintaining good oral hygiene a challenge, with the wires and attachments making it difficult for the toothbrush to gain access to the teeth. This can result in the build-up of plague and debris, which, in turn, can lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation and bleeding), and damage to the teeth such as decalcification around brace attachments. It is therefore important to measure the amount of plague in these more difficult to access areas. It has been suggested that powered toothbrushes are more effective in preventing gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. Such an advantage would be of particular interest to people who wear orthodontic braces. However there is insufficient evidence to support the comparative effectiveness of powered toothbrushes in reducing gingivitis in these patients. Here, we aim to address this by comparing the levels of plaque control, gingival health and enamel decalcification in patients wearing braces using either a powered toothbrush or a manual one. Who can participate? Patients aged 12-18 years who require fixed braces for their teeth. What does the study involve? Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two tooth brushing groups (a control and an intervention group). Plaque score (a measure of how much plaque is on the teeth) and gum health measurements (assessing inflammation, pockets around the teeth and bleeding) for each patient are taken before the start of treatment. Both groups are treated with fixed orthodontic braces. All patients in the control group are given the same type of manual toothbrush and all patients in the intervention group are given the same type of powered toothbrush. Patients are shown how to keep their teeth clean using their allocated toothbrush. All patients have brush for two minutes each morning and evening. No other oral hygiene devices, mouth rinses or dentifrices can be used. All subjects have their plaque and gum health measured at 1, 6 and 12 months with the final scoring being at the debond (removal of braces) appointment. Enamel decalcification measurements are also taken at the start and at debond appointments. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Risks associated with orthodontic treatment and include decay or decalcification due to decreased oral hygiene or increased sugar intake, gum disease due to decreased oral hygiene, root shortening (resorption) and relapse. Tooth brushing either manual or electric form part of a persons' normal daily oral hygiene regime and the risks are minimal. Where is the study run from? The Orthodontic Department, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? February 2014 to February 2016 Who is funding the study? London Alpha Omega Charitable Trust & Barts Health Orthodontic department (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Ama Johal [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Best type of toothbrush for orthodontic patients

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn