- Abstract -

If we look around, we will see many teenagers and young adults wearing fix appliances. So, braces aren't really as bad as we may think. Today, braces come in a variety of styles and materials, making „life with braces” much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past. However, many people feel more comfortable and self-confident with properly aligned, attractive teeth, and orthodontic care can help improve appearance and build self-confidence. But one of the most difficult problems in orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is the control of enamel demineralization around the brackets and the bands. These elements, together with other adjuvant elements used in orthodontic treatment (such as: arches, springs, elastics, power chains, etc.), make the patient’s dental hygiene more difficult and the accumulation of plaque easier. That’s why, a significant increases in oral bacteria appears during orthodontic treatment, especially to those with fix appliances. White spots, caries, gingivitis (and sometimes periodontitis) are often a side effect of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances that is caused by inadequate removal of dental plaque around the orthodontic appliances.

Key words: Prevention, oral hygiene, demineralization, white spots, dental plaque