Comparing the Level of Pain and Oral Hygiene Status in Patients Receiving Fixed Appliance Therapy Versus Clear Aligner Therapy During the First Phase of Orthodontic Treatment: An In Vivo Study.

backgroundPatients' compliance with orthodontic treatment, particularly in the first phases of therapy, is influenced by the perception of pain and oral hygiene management. Even though clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances have the same popularity, their comparative impacts on these early treatment parameters are not well researched.

aimsThe study's intention was to contrast the level of oral hygiene and discomfort experienced by patients undergoing clear aligner therapy at an early stage of orthodontic treatment with those undergoing fixed appliance therapy. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients were gathered and split into two groups at random. Group I was required to wear fixed orthodontic appliances, whereas group II received clear aligners. Age, gender, and the degree of malocclusion were all matched between the groups. The degree of pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. To evaluate oral hygiene, the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) was used. Baseline homogeneity was guaranteed by the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) and Little's Irregularity Index. T-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05) were used in the statistical analysis.

resultsThe scores on pain were low (3.89, 2.16), and oral hygiene was improved (mean OHI-S = 1.92, 1.06) in those who had clear aligner treatment, but these did not show a significant difference when compared to those who had fixed orthodontic appliances.

conclusionClear aligners potentially provide better patient comfort and allow better oral hygiene in early orthodontic treatment, which makes them a preferable choice for initial patient compliance.