Effectiveness of Mobile Phone Reminder Applications in Improving Oral Hygiene Compliance of Orthodontic Patients

The Effectiveness of Mobile Phone Reminders in the Improvement of Oral Hygiene in Patients With Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was to investigate the effectiveness of mobile application as an active reminder for improving oral hygiene compliance of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment using fixed orthodontic appliances.

eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either control or intervention group. Group l (control): Only verbal instructions on oral hygiene including brushing using soft bristles, brushing for 2 minutes, flossing once daily, the use of fluoridated oral rinse, orthodontic appliance care and avoiding hard and sticky food.These instructions were given at the baseline visit. Then, these subjects were re-examined after 4 weeks. Group II (intervention): the subjects received the same oral hygiene instructions that were described to the control group with the addition of downloading two mobile applications: Brushout app and Brush teeth reminder app. These applications were adjusted to send notifications twice daily in the morning and night as reminders to practice oral hygiene. In addition, oral hygiene practice was tracked by a link that was sent electronically and checked by study researchers as a compliance protocol. Like the control group, subjects were re-examined after 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 1- Subjects having orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances

2- The use of a smartphone to download Brushout app and Brush teeth reminder app

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects having orthodontic treatment using removable appliances