Effects of Digital Health Interventions on Oral Hygiene and Treatment Compliance in Orthodontic Patients: A Systematic Review Review Article
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Oral hygiene and treatment compliance are critical for successful orthodontic outcomes. Despite their importance, patient non-adherence remains a significant challenge, contributing to complications such as plaque accumulation, gingivitis, and delayed treatments. Digital health interventions, including mobile apps, telemonitoring, and gamified platforms, offer innovative approaches to address these issues.
Objective: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of digital health interventions in improving oral hygiene and treatment compliance among orthodontic patients, compared to traditional methods.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus. Peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) assessing digital health tools in orthodontics were included. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively, focusing on outcomes such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), compliance rates, and patient engagement.
Results: Seven studies involving 504 participants aged 10–36 years were included. Digital tools demonstrated consistent improvements in oral hygiene, with significant reductions in PI and GI. Gamified apps, motivational protocols via social platforms, and telemonitoring enhanced compliance and reduced white spot lesions. However, short study durations and variability in interventions limited long-term effectiveness assessments.
Conclusion: Digital health interventions show promise in enhancing orthodontic care by improving oral hygiene and compliance. Further research with standardized methodologies, long-term follow-up, and cost-effectiveness analyses is needed to validate their integration into routine practice.
Article Details
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