Comparative Analysis of White Spot Lesions and DMFT Index in Patients Treated with Fixed Appliances, Clear Aligners, and Untreated Individuals

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fixed appliances (FA), clear aligners (CA), and no treatment on white spot lesion (WSL) formation and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients aged 14-30 years were divided into three groups: FA (n=40), CA (n=40), and control (n=40). The DMFT index and WSL counts were recorded at baseline (T1) and after treatment (T2) using clinical examinations, panoramic radiography, and standardized photographs. All data were analyzed using SPSS with appropriate statistical tests (ANOVA, t-test, chi-square, McNemar-Bowker).Results: The FA group showed significant increases in decayed teeth and DMFT scores (p