ABSTRACT
Orthodontic treatment signifies a transformative journey for individuals seeking not only enhanced oral health but also a boost in aesthetics and self-confidence. Nonetheless, the protracted timeline associated with conventional orthodontic care has been a persistent concern for both patients and practitioners. In this comprehensive review, we embark on an exploration of innovative strategies aimed at expediting orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). By doing so, we aspire to curtail treatment duration and mitigate potential risks, ultimately culminating in an elevated and more fulfilling patient experience. Traditionally, orthodontists heavily leaned on surgical techniques to hasten tooth movement. However, the recent landscape of orthodontics has been profoundly shaped by technological advancements and groundbreaking research findings, ushering in an era characterized by the embrace of minimally invasive approaches. These progressive methodologies encompass procedures like Piezocision, Discision, and Microosteoperforation (Alveocentesis). Beyond the obvious benefits of reduced patient discomfort, these techniques significantly truncate treatment periods, a development that addresses a primary concern of many patients. Moreover, this review delves into non-invasive alternatives, including cyclic vibrations, photobiomodulation, direct light electric current, and static or pulsed magnetic fields, as well as systemic and local administration of biological substances and hormones, all of which hold substantial promise in optimizing OTM. Furthermore, our exploration extends to a diverse spectrum of medications that have demonstrated their efficacy in expediting OTM. These encompass NSAIDs, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, herbal medicine biomaterials, and synthetic biomaterials like graphene dioxide. Every technique and medication is subjected to meticulous evaluation, taking into account its indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, clinical implications, and limitations. Through this review, we endeavor to equip orthodontic professionals with a profound understanding of these innovative strategies. By doing so, we enable them to make informed decisions, tailored meticulously to meet the unique needs of each patient. In an ever-evolving field like orthodontics, staying abreast of these advancements becomes paramount, ultimately contributing to heightened treatment efficacy and enhanced patient satisfaction. The adoption of these innovative strategies not only holds the potential for improved clinical outcomes but also champions a patient-centric approach that could fundamentally reshape the landscape of orthodontic care.
ABSTRACT
Background Plaque and dental caries are the primary agents causing gingival and periodontal diseases, eventually progressing into tooth loss. If oral hygiene practice is poor, plaque easily accumulates on the tooth surface, especially in interproximal areas. To maintain a good oral environment, it is mandatory to remove or at least reduce the percentage of plaque formation from the oral cavity. To achieve this, interdental aids should be used along with toothbrushes, as cleansing the teeth only with a toothbrush is not effective. Various interdental aids, like interdental brushes, floss, toothpicks, etc., are now available on the market. The objective of the current survey was to rate knowledge as well as make a comparison between the cleaning effectiveness of interdental brushes and interdental floss to determine which was better at reducing plaque accumulation and, subsequently, dental caries. The survey was accessed by measuring individual plaque and gingival index before and after using interdental cleaning aids. Methodology The objective of the survey was to evaluate and analyze the efficiency of interdental brushes and interdental floss in maintaining oral hygiene among orthodontic patients residing in the Vidarbha region. After receiving approval from the Ethical Committee DMIHER(DU)/IEC/2023/721, a study was conducted over a 30-day period, focusing on a group of 100 individuals aged between 15 and 30 years, and their assessments were analyzed. The patient was briefed about the study and asked to make use of an interdental brush and interdental floss. The gingival index and plaque index were calculated on the same patients before and after the use of the interdental brush and interdental floss to determine which was better at reducing plaque accumulation on the surface of teeth. Descriptive analysis, unpaired for intergroup comparison, and paired T-tests for intragroup comparison were used. The software used was SPSS 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and GraphPad Prism 7.0 (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA). Result Everyone's tooth surfaces naturally develop a thin layer of plaque biofilm, but the presence of heavy plaque deposits on teeth indicates poor dental hygiene, which can lead to various oral health issues. Failure to improve dental hygiene status can result in problems such as halitosis, gingival issues, periodontal disease, and eventually tooth loss. Dentists play a crucial role in raising awareness about these concerns among their patients and providing education on effective oral care practices, including the use of interdental aids in conjunction with toothbrushes. When comparing the effectiveness of interdental brushes and dental floss in removing plaque, interdental brushes have been found to be more efficient. They not only excel in plaque removal but also contribute to a reduction in gingival problems. The statistical analysis supports this, with a significant p-value of less than 0.01 for both the plaque index and gingival index when using interdental brushes, indicating their superior performance in maintaining oral health. Conclusion The study will help every individual improve their oral hygiene status with the help of an interdental aid and a toothbrush. This will reduce the chances of having gingival and periodontal diseases and eventually reduce the risk of tooth loss.
