Study design
cleft lip, craniofacial deformities, orthodontic, palate
SYSTEMIC DISEASE, PERIODONTAL DISEASE
This was a double-arm parallel-group prospective superiority randomized clinical trial, performed in a single center at the orthodontic department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from November 19, 2020, to October 12, 2022. Prior to the study commencement, ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee at Zhengzhou University with reference number (2021-KY-1026-002). All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations of the ethical committee. The trial was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) with trial number (TCTR20230220002). Participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited prior to debonding. The inclusion criteria were: participants aged 16–35 years, and have a smartphone with the capability to use the WeChat application. The exclusion criteria were: cleft lip or palate; systemic disease or medical condition; periodontal disease; craniofacial deformities; taking any medication that affects gingival health; and history of orthodontic treatment and retention. All participants were informed about the study objectives and signed the respective consent forms. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s). Reporting was done following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT guidelines) (Fig. Consort flow diagram.