The Effect of Using a Smart Phone App on Oral Hygiene and Brushing Training During Fixed Orthodontic Therapy
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 60
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Oral hygiene in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aimed to compare changes in gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) values in fixed orthodontic patients. Participants were classified into two groups based on their oral hygiene: those using the Dentabuddy app for oral hygiene improvement and those receiving assistant-led toothbrushing training.
Will the use of the Dentabuddy application lead to differences in oral hygiene levels? Can adolescents effectively utilize the program? Participants will compare the effectiveness of the smartphone application with a group receiving traditional oral hygiene motivation.
Participants:
Will use the program according to the designated time intervals. Will attend their appointments regularly.
Detailed Description
The Dentabuddy application is a free oral hygiene improvement tool available for download on the Google Play Store. This study will include 60 patients aged 12-18 years who have been undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment for at least six months. Patients will be classified into good, fair, and poor oral hygiene groups based on the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), assessed by the second researcher. Using the Research Randomizer website, participants will be randomly assigned to either the Dentabuddy group or the assistant-supported training group.
Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) values will be recorded at baseline, after one month, and after three months. These data will be compared between groups. Additionally, at the end of three months, participants will be asked to demonstrate the brushing technique they were taught using a bracketed model. Those meeting specific criteria will be classified as having successfully demonstrated the brushing technique.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Other
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 12 Years to 18 Years (Child, Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •no missing teeth,
- •no systemic diseases or medications,
- •complete permanent dentition,
- •ability to maintain personal oral hygiene
Exclusion Criteria
- •dental treatment affecting oral hygiene
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Oral hygiene in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment
Time Frame: From August to November 2023
Participants whose oral hygiene scores are monitored through the use of the Dentabuddy application. The Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) are assessed on four surfaces of each tooth (mesial, distal, buccal/labial, and lingual) using a scale from 0 to 3. The total score from all evaluated sites is summed and divided by the total number of teeth to obtain the mean GI and PI values. A reduction in values will indicate a positive outcome of the study.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Seda Sağoğlu
Principal Investigator / Research Assistant
Konya Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi