[Prevalence of dental caries in adolescents wearing the Alexander-type fixed orthodontic device]

In the present study for an investigation regarding the oral caries in 1179 adolescents, wearing the Alexander fixed braces, aged 14.3 (+/- 1.8 years), were investigated for the DMF index. 80% of the examined children were living in the capital (Budapest) and the rest were from the countryside. All of them were treated at the Heim Pál Children's Hospital. Their orthodontic treatment was supported by the state health insurance. Out of all examined subjects 46% was recorded as caries-free and the remaining 54% showed the following distribution pattern: DMF = 1 was 16%, DMF = 2 was 14%, DMF = 3 was 7% and DMF3 < was 17%. The results do not support a judgment of 'poor level' of oral hygiene in children wearing the Alexander appliance, on the contrary, the outcome suggest an acceptable level of oral hygiene as well as educated oral- and dental attitude in adolescents treated with malocclusions, which are mostly regarded as a risk factor for caries inductive dental plaque formation. The results also indicates that the claim for orthodontic treatment might have had a positive effect on caries prevalence.