Clinical evaluation of plaque removal by counterrotational electric toothbrush in orthodontic patients.

In the present crossover clinical trial, the plaque-removing efficacy of a counterrotational toothbrush was compared to that of a normal toothbrush in orthodontic patients. Twenty subjects, aged 11 to 26 years, who had orthodontic brackets on all fully erupted teeth of at least one arch were selected. At the first appointment, a prophylaxis was given to bring the plaque score to 0. Ten subjects received counterrotational brushes, and 10 subjects received manual brushes according to a randomized list. At 14 days, plaque scores were recorded and another prophylaxis was given. The subjects who were using the electric brush were assigned to the manual brush and vice versa. At 28 days, plaque scores were reassessed. Results showed that the counterrotational brush was significantly more effective in removing supragingival plaque from bracketed teeth than was the manual brush. The differences in plaque-removing effectiveness were particularly consistent on the proximal surfaces of the teeth.