EVALUATING THE HIDDEN INCIPIENT LESION AMONG POST ORTHODONTIC TREATED ADULTS IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT– A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most frequent side effects of fixed orthodontic therapy is the development of white spot lesions (WSL) surrounding fixed orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the patients' awareness of the possibility of developing WSLs while undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, as well as the patients' oral hygiene practices and any preventive measures administered during treatment. Methodology: Questionnaires are used in this cross-sectional observational study. Convenience sampling was used to choose the subjects from among orthodontic patients who visited the orthodontic OPD.Individuals who met the requirements for inclusion were requested to respond to the surveys. The knowledge evaluations focused on how orthodontic patients should maintain their dental hygiene and how WSL develops during treatment. Results: The questionnaires were distributed to 32 subjects in total. The majority of them were unaware that having braces can result in the development of WSL around the brackets. Of those who maintained oral hygiene,a large number of people brush their teeth more than twice a day. Of them,about 75% said that their orthodontic doctor placed a strong emphasis on proper tooth cleaning technique. Conclusion: The majority of patients have a rudimentary understanding of white spot lesions as a side effect of fixed orthodontic treatment and good mouth hygiene habits.Treatment outcomes will be improved by raising their knowledge on fixed orthodontic treatment and their development of WSL for ortho patient.