COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ORAL HYGIENE INDICATORS DURING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WITH ALIGNERS AND BRACKET SYSTEMS IN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment in adolescence is directed not only toward the correction of dentoalveolar anomalies and improvement of facial aesthetics, but also toward the preservation of oral health during a long period of appliance use. Fixed bracket systems remain an effective method of orthodontic correction; however, brackets, ligatures and archwires create additional retention zones for dental plaque and complicate everyday oral hygiene. Clear aligners are removable and aesthetically acceptable appliances that may facilitate toothbrushing, interdental cleaning and control of gingival inflammation. The purpose of this article is to substantiate the comparative clinical and hygienic significance of aligners and bracket systems in adolescents receiving orthodontic treatment. The proposed study model includes 60 patients aged 12-17 years, divided into two equal groups: adolescents treated with aligners and adolescents treated with fixed bracket systems. Oral hygiene status, plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation are assessed at baseline and after 3, 6 and 9 months using standardized clinical indices, including the PMA index and plaque index evaluation. The expected scientific result is the identification of hygienic advantages and limitations of each orthodontic method, as well as the development of individualized preventive recommendations for adolescent patients. The article emphasizes that aligners may provide more favorable hygienic conditions when patient compliance is adequate, while bracket systems require intensified professional monitoring, repeated motivation and special hygiene devices.