University “ St Cyril and Methodius “ Skopje

Faculty of Dentistry Department of orthodontic

Skopje
Dental Clinical Centar - Skopje

EVALUATION OF PATIENT
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CARE
OF FIXED ORTHODONTIC
APPLIANCES
A.Podolesova, M.Zuzelova
 INTRODUCTION
Most orthodontist give verbal or written
instructions about caring the brace at the start
of the treatment, but previous studies suggest
that only a small amount of this knowledge is
retained by their patient or their parents. The
patient must follow instructions, maintain good
oral hygiene and control their diet throught the
treatment. Failure to do so can lead to
prolonged treatment time and damage to the
teeth as a result of decalcification.
AIM
The aim of this study was to examine the
levels of patient knowledge about care of
fixed orthodontic appliances and the
conseguences of failing to follow this
advice.
METHODOLOGY
A guestionnaire was made to test patient
knowledge of care of their appliances
according to the british standards. The
subjects aged 13 - 20 years completed a
copy of the guestionnarie by themselves,
without the help of their parents, whilst
sitting in the waitting room.
 RESULTS

• 90% of the patients knew that they

should brush their teeth after every time
they ate.
• Less than half knew that failing to
maintain good oral hygiene would lead to
gingival inflamation and bleeding gums.
• 84% of children were aware that
persistent brakages would extend the
tratment
 RESULTS
• 80% children knew that they should avoid
sticky and hard food, because it may cause
brase breakages.
• Only 16% of children knew that they should
not drink coca cola.
• 40 % knew that they should not dring wrong
drinks between the meals, bacuese they
may get marks on their teeth.
 CONCLUSIONS
The standars of 100% patient knowledge on
the care of their fixed appliances was not
achieved for any issue. Clinicians need to
reinforce their initial instructions on the care
of orthodontic appliances throughout
treatment and not just when fitting the
appliance. Orthodontis need to spend more
time emphasising this aspect of preventive
dental care to their patients.