Introduction: Orthodontic therapy carries a risk of complications. The literature shows that dental caries is the most common complication found by orthodontists. Fixed appliances can further predispose, initiate or intensify this process, as they limit salivary flow and self-cleaning, and provide places to retain food debris.
Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the specific carious risk profile of patients with fixed orthodontic techniques.
Materials and Methods: A total of 246 patients: 123—clinical group (patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with a fixed technique) and 123—control group (patients who visited the dental office for another reason), were studied for a period of 2 years. In order to obtain reliable results, the patients included in the study were evenly distributed by sex and age between the two groups.
Results: Male gender was linked to a high caries risk (OR = 2.25 (1.04–4.85); p < 0.05). It was found that there is a significant difference in caries risk according to the duration of treatment with a fixed orthodontic technique (p < 0.001). From the point of view of the follow-up stages, a significant difference was also found in terms of caries risk (p < 0.001). The lack of cooperation of the patient during orthodontic treatment was associated with a high risk of caries. Lack of cooperation increased the risk of caries more than 7 times during orthodontic treatment (OR = 7.56 (3.17–17.97); p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The high caries risk profile of patients with fixed orthodontic technique includes male gender, metal braces, long-term treatment, and lack of cooperation.
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