EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL HYGIENE INDICES IN ASSESSING ORAL HEALTH AND PROMOTING PATIENT MOTIVATION DURING FIXED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

Galina Pancu, Sorin Andrian, Georgiana Macovei, Andrei Georgescu, Răzvan Constatin Brânzan, Botez Matei, Florinel Cosmin Bida, Nicoleta Tofan

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study: Fixed orthodontic appliances significantly increase the risk of dental caries and periodontal diseases due to enhanced plaque retention. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate two plaque assessment methods Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHPI) and the Orthodontic Oral Hygiene Index (IICO ort.) in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients aged 18–35 with fixed orthodontic appliances were examined. Dental plaque was assessed using both QHPI and IICO ort. indices. Clinical data were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of each index in reflecting oral hygiene status. Results: The QHPI identified 56.25% of patients as having satisfactory hygiene, while the IICO ort. found only 6.25% satisfactory, with 37.5% classified as having deficient hygiene. The IICO ort. proved more sensitive in detecting poor oral hygiene, especially in high-retention areas around brackets. Conclusion: The IICO ort. index offers a more accurate assessment of plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients compared to QHPI. Its use is recommended for effective monitoring and personalized oral hygiene interventions during fixed orthodontic treatment.

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.3.17.4