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Cleaning removable orthodontic appliances: a survey
J Eichenauer1, C Serbesis, S Ruf
1Department of Orthodontics, Medical Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Gießen, Germany. johanna.eichenauer@dentist.med.uni-giessen.de
Summary
Most German orthodontists recommend mechanical toothbrushing for removable orthodontic appliances (ROAs). However, scientific literature suggests chemical cleaning solutions are more hygienic, yet rarely recommended by practitioners.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Dental Hygiene
Background:
- Removable orthodontic appliances (ROAs) require regular cleaning to maintain hygiene.
- Current cleaning recommendations among German orthodontists are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey German orthodontists on their common recommendations for cleaning ROAs.
- To compare these recommendations with established scientific literature.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted with 450 randomly selected orthodontists in Germany.
- Orthodontists were asked about their standard advice for cleaning ROAs.
Main Results:
- Mechanical cleaning using a toothbrush was the most frequent recommendation (99.8%).
- Chemical detergents were recommended by 37.1% of orthodontists.
- Diluted vinegar or citric acid was recommended by 30.5% of orthodontists.
Conclusions:
- Cleaning solutions for ROAs are infrequently recommended by German orthodontists.
- Scientific literature indicates that cleaning solutions offer a more hygienic approach to ROA care.
- There is a discrepancy between common practice and evidence-based recommendations for ROA hygiene.
