Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most crucial aspects in determining the overall prognosis of an orthodontic treatment.
Food particles entrapped in orthodontic appliances like braces or brackets allows the accumulation of plaque and accelerates the attack on the teeth by oral microorganisms resulting in dental complications like caries.
Appropriate oral hygiene includes professional dental guidance, the use of the right tools, and patient motivation.
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The first step that an orthodontist employs is educating the patient about the need of oral hygiene during the course of an orthodontic treatment.
The primary goal is to attain a behavioral change in the patient. A study revealed that this process should include continuous and active reminders by the dentist over the phone.
news-medical.net
By Akshima Sahi, BDS
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