The Use of Quantitative Light Induced Fluorescence Digital as an Oral Hygiene Evaluation Tool in Orthodontics

Plaque is a contributing factor for the development of dental diseases including tooth decay and gum disease. Thus, an excellent standard of oral hygiene is required to ensure all plaque is removed from the teeth to reduce the risk of developing these diseases.

Plaque accumulation starts and is greatest at plaque stagnation sites, which tend to be at the gum margins. In orthodontic treatment, the brackets and archwires are significant plaque stagnation sites.Conventional tooth brushing is also more difficult compounding the increased plaque accumulation and retention.

It is very important that patients learn to recognize the presence of plaque to ensure optimal levels of oral hygiene are achieved. Frequently patients have difficulty localizing the deposits to enable optimal levels of oral hygiene.

Demineralisation occurs due to bacterial fermentation of dietary sugars, which produces acids. This leads to white marks developing on the tooth surfaces, which is the first stage of dental caries. The risk of demineralisation is increased during orthodontic treatment, as there tends to be greater plaque accumulation. Previous studies have reported prevalence rates of demineralisation during orthodontic treatment to be as high as 96%. The most visible front surfaces of the teeth are often the most severely affected which can have a detrimental impact on their appearance.

Early demineralisation can be reversible if plaque control is improved, however progresses cavities may develop which require restoration. The main form of management of demineralisation is prevention. This is mainly by having an excellent level of oral hygiene and having a diet with a limited number of sugar intakes.

During orthodontics, patients frequently find it difficult to detect the plaque around the braces, thus oral hygiene is often not adequate. This leads to greater plaque accumulation and an increased risk of developing demineralisation.

The QLFD Biluminator is a noninvasive novel device, based on previous QLF technology. In vitro and in vivo studies of the former QLF device demonstrated it to be appropriate for identifying demineralisation and longitudinal monitoring of mineral changes during orthodontics. The advantage of the new QLFD device is that it takes a white light image in addition to a QLF image. Having two images, taken nearly simultaneously, allows comparisons to be made and ensures consistency with regards to magnification and angulation. From these images, plaque accumulation and demineralisation can be measured. In addition, demineralisation can be detected on QLF images before it is evident on white light images, which is of great benefit to clinicians in detecting at risk patients.

This study aims to assess plaque accumulation and demineralisation using the new QLFD device before the start of orthodontic treatment. It will also assess its use as an oral hygiene evaluation tool to improve patients tooth brushing who have inadequate oral hygiene to start orthodontic treatment. White light and QLF images will be taken with the QLFD device and patients will be given focused oral hygiene advice based on these images.

Inclusion criteria

• All participants will consent.
• All participants will be in good health.
• At least 11 years of age.
• Patients with poor level of oral hygiene undergoing pre-treatment visits with the hygienist or a dentist.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with significant disabilities that may affect manual dexterity and oral hygiene practice.
• Patients who have had antibiotics in the last two months.
• Patients with full coronal coverage restorations.
• Patients with visually cavitated lesions.