Carious lesions in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Objective: To record the newly developing carious lesions in patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from January to June 2010. Group A (6 months of treatment) comprised of 45 patients, compared to Group B (12 months of treatment) 45 patients. In both groups no cavitation was present; all carious lesions were filled at the start of orthodontic treatment. Results: The frequency of caries increased with the time period rise after orthodontic treatment. Patients after 12 month treatment had more carious lesions than at 6 month; caries activity increases in orthodontic patients. Conclusion: Patient motivation to maintain their oral hygiene with the use of fluoride mouthwashes reduces the amount of carious lesions.