Comparison of air prophy and conventional polishing on plaque scores in orthodontic patients. A randomized controlled trial

In the presence of orthodontic brackets, metallic bands, wire ligatures, and other appliances, there is an increased risk of plaque accumulation, which may result in periodontal damage and dental caries. One way of polishing teeth is through the prophylactic polishing paste method. The recent and more conservative approach is that of abrasive powder (e.g., sodium bicarbonate), which is used in prophy jet, which is less abrasive as compared to aluminum oxide particles. The objective of this randomized clinical trial is to compare prophylactic paste and air prophy polishing methods on plaque scores in orthodontic patients who will undergo fixed orthodontic therapy. A total of 30 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. Included patient required placement of fixed orthodontic appliances, plaque index should be equal to or greater than 15, patient’s age ranging from 12 -30 years. Excluded patients had missing permanent teeth except for 3rd molars, advanced periodontal diseases, systemic diseases, and allergic to any of the paste content. All the patients included in the study completed the study. Results showed no significant changes in post plaque score were found between the air prophy and rubber cup groups. A statistically significant change in pre and post-plaque score was found with both air prophy and rubber cup polishing methods. There was no significant difference in reducing plaque score between air prophy or rubber cup polishing methods. Both methods can be safely used to decrease the plaque score in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.