Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Good plaque control is an important factor in the maintenance of dental health during fixed appliance therapy. The present study was conducted to compare manual orthodontic, powered and sonic toothbrushes in patients undergoing fixed orthodontics. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing fixed orthodontics of both genders. Patients were divided into 3 groups of 20. Group I patients were given manual orthodontic brushes, group II patients were given powered brushes and group III patients were given sonic powered brushes. Parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and interdental bleeding index were recorded at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks recall visits after fixed appliance bonding. Results: The mean plaque index at baseline in group I was 1.18, in group II was 1.14 and in group III was 1.12, at 4 weeks was 1.06, 1.05 and 1.04 in group I, II and III respectively, at 8 weeks was 1.05, 1.04 and 1.04 in group I, II and III respectively. Difference within the group was significant (P< 0.05). The mean gingival index at baseline in group I was 1.10, in group II was 1.08 and in group III was 1.09, at 4 weeks was 1.06, 1.06 and 1.05 in group I, II and III respectively, at 8 weeks was 1.06, 1.05 and 1.05 in group I, II and III respectively. Difference within the group was significant (P< 0.05). The mean bleeding index at baseline in group I was 1.22, in group II was 1.19 and in group III was 1.20, at 4 weeks was 1.14, 1.08 and 1.11 in group I, II and III respectively, at 8 weeks was 0.12, 0.08 and 0.07 in group I, II and III respectively. Difference within the group was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Authors found that sonic tooth brushes were effective in reducing all parameters followed by powered and manual brushes. Key words: Brushes, manual, powered, tooth brushes.