Caries risk profile using the cariogram in governmental and private orthodontic patients at de-bonding

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze various caries-related factors in orthodontic patients at de-bonding, and to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in caries risk between governmental and private orthodontic patients immediately after orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional examination was carried out on 89 orthodontic patients aged 13-29 years, mean age 21.5 years. They were divided into two groups based on the center of treatment, governmental group (G) (n = 45) and private group (P) (n = 44). The investigation comprised a questionnaire, plaque scoring, caries examination, bitewing radiographs, salivary secretion rate, buffering capacity, and cariogenic microorganisms. Data were entered into the Cariogram PC program to illustrate caries risk profiles. Results: Findings revealed that "the chance of avoiding new cavities", according to the Cariogram, was high in the P-group and low in the G-group (61% and 28%, respectively) (P