An Investigation on Methods and Protocols Suggested by Orthodontists for Hygiene of Thermoplastic Retention Appliances

ABSTRACT Introduction To investigate the methods and protocols suggested by orthodontists to the patients for cleaning their thermoplastic retention appliances (TRAs). Methods A survey study was conducted among 1997 orthodontists. They were contacted by e‐mail and asked about the methods and protocols of cleaning they commonly advised their patients for TRA. The survey included some questions related to possible problems of these cleaning methods and data about the other problems they noticed. Descriptive statistics were presented for continuous variables and categorical outcomes. The associations between the independent variables was evaluated with Kruskal–Wallis and Chi‐Square tests. Results Of the 1997 orthodontists, 239 (11.9%) participated in the study. The majority of them (79.1%, n = 189) advised the combined use of chemical and mechanical cleaning for the hygiene of TRA. The peroxide‐based agent was the most suggested one among chemical cleaning agents (57.7%, n = 138). Orthodontists commonly recommended that TRAs be cleaned daily (87.4%, n = 209) and for 3 min or less (80.3%, n = 192). The most usual problem noticed was the discoloration of TRA (61.5%, n = 147). A statistically significant association was found between the use of toothpaste for cleaning of TRA and a decrease in light transmittance of it ( p < 0.05). Orthodontists who preferred the combined use of both methods were more satisfied with the cleaning efficiency than those who preferred the mechanical method alone ( p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, orthodontists most commonly reported advising the combined use of mechanical and chemical cleaning methods for ensuring the hygiene of TRAs. Peroxide‐based agents were the most commonly recommended chemical cleaning agents. Daily cleaning, typically for 3 min or less, was the most frequently reported protocol.