Traditional vs digital communication channels for improving compliance with fixed orthodontic treatment

To compare the efficacy of traditional and digital communication strategies in improving compliance with fixed orthodontic therapy and to investigate the effect of gender, baseline oral hygiene habits, socioeconomics, and parents' education on orthodontic compliance.

Orthodontic patients were randomly allocated to three groups. Group 1 received traditional communication including verbal and written instructions, whereas group 2 and group 3 received, in addition to traditional communication, weekly text messages or e-mails with audiovisual links, respectively. Baseline demographics (age, gender, baseline oral hygiene habits, socioeconomics, and parents' education) as well as compliance indicators (treatment duration, failed appointments, incidence and total number of appliance breakages) were recorded. For statistical analysis, Pearson chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used (P < .05).

Of 120 patients (aged 12 to 18 years) recruited, 108 completed the trial (G1 = 37, G2 = 35, G3 = 36). Weekly text messages failed to improve patient compliance. On the other hand, sending weekly e-mails with audiovisual links significantly (P = .014) reduced the incidence of appliance breakage as compared with the control group. Females had a significantly lower incidence of breakage (P = .041) and a fewer total number of breakages (P = .021). Patients from households with high income had significantly better compliance (P < .05). A higher level of parents' education was significantly associated with a lower incidence and total number of breakages (P < .01).

Communication with patients using link-rich e-mails and reminders could improve patient compliance with fixed orthodontic treatment. Female patients, high household income, and high parent education are associated with better compliance with fixed orthodontic treatment.