Methods/study sample
hand dexterity, carious lesions, mucogingival problems
DISEASE
The experimental design followed the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement (Fig. CONSORT flow diagramThe participants were from 18 to 25 years, in good general and oral health, and wearing fully bonded conventional metal fixed orthodontic appliances with good hand dexterity without any disabilities. In addition, a minimum of 25 natural teeth with facial and lingual scorable surfaces without any oral lesions or periodontal pockets of 3 mm or loss of attachment/recession of 2 mm was also required. The exclusion criteria were evidence of mucogingival problems, smoking, pregnancy, five or more carious lesions requiring restorative treatment, heavy restorations, or wearing fixed or removable prostheses. Lastly, participation in any other elective dental procedure, including prophylaxis, during the study period or if there was evidence of any disease or condition that may interfere with the study procedures. During the study, participants agreed to refrain from participating in any other oral care study and postpone elective dentistry, including prophylaxis, until the study was completed.All eligible patients, attending the Orthodontic Clinic at the Dental Centre, Ministry of National Guard—Health Affairs, were approached by the residents and received written study information. They were included in the study only after obtaining written informed consent.