Comparison between fixed orthodontics appliance and removable orthodontics appliance by gingival parameters and patient satisfaction - A transverse study

Abstract

Fixed orthodontic appliance (FOA) temporarily affects the periodontal patient’s health, as the apparatus complicates the oral hygiene. The use of aligners in orthodontic treatment significantly has increased in the last  ten years. Research on the effects of aligner treatment on oral hygiene and gingival condition is rare. This transverse study measures patient satisfaction and oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment of patients by Invisalign or FOA. Methods: A total of 140 patient’s (FOA:70 , Invisalign:70) who employed orthodontic treatment for more than 6 months. Patient satisfaction, nutrition habits and oral hygiene were certified via a detailed questionnaire. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate patients’ periodontal condition and satisfaction and their overall wellbeing before and during the orthodontic treatment. For statistical analysis the Kruskal-Wallis Test and Chi-square test were used; as multiple testing was applied, a Holm’s correction was performed. Results: The Invisalign patients were in orthodontic treatment for 15±7.4 months whereas patients with FOA were in orthodontic treatment for 18.2±10.5 months . In a observing way a better gingival health conditions were recorded in Invisalign patient (GI:0.50±0.48 for FOA Versus 0.37±0.35 for Invisalign ; SBI:14.8±7.9 for FOA versus  8.1±4.2 for Invisalign), meanwhile the amount of dental plaque was also less in Invisalign (API:38.2%±10.8 for FOA versus 28.5%±25.1 for Invisalign), As greater patients satisfaction were found in Invisalign patients than in FOA patients by the questionnaires reports. Conclusion: From the patients treatment and from the results collected we found that Invisalign patients have a better periodontal health, oral hygiene and patient satisfaction than patients treated by FOA.