Comparative Analysis of White Spot Lesions and DMFT Index in Patients Treated with Fixed Appliances, Clear Aligners, and Untreated Individuals
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fixed appliances (FA), clear aligners (CA), and no treatment on white spot lesion (WSL) formation and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients aged 14-30 years were divided into three groups: FA (n=40), CA (n=40), and control (n=40). The DMFT index and WSL counts were recorded at baseline (T1) and after treatment (T2) using clinical examinations, panoramic radiography, and standardized photographs. All data were analyzed using SPSS with appropriate statistical tests (ANOVA, t-test, chi-square, McNemar-Bowker).Results: The FA group showed significant increases in decayed teeth and DMFT scores (p
Institution: Necmettin Erbakan University
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7140217909