Comparing the Effect of Modified Bass with Charter Tooth brushing Technique in Controlling Dental Plaque in Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Patients: A Quasi Experimental Study at Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the Modified Bass and Charter’s tooth brushing techniques in controlling dental plaque in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Periodontology, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar, Pakistan from Dec 2020 to Jun 2021. Methodology: A total of 60 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly assigned to either the Modified Bass (Group A) or Charter’s (Group B) brushing technique. Plaque index scores were recorded at baseline and after six months using a WHO probe. Participants were monitored monthly to ensure adherence and technique reinforcement. Results: At baseline, median plaque index scores were comparable between Group A and Group B (1.10 [0.90–1.40] vs 1.20 [1.00–1.60], p = 0.227). After six months, Group B (Charter’s technique) showed a significantly lower median plaque index score (0.13 [0.00–0.30]) compared to Group A (Modified Bass: 0.90 [0.70–1.10]), with a p-value < 0.001. Conclusion: Charter’s tooth brushing technique was significantly more effective in reducing dental plaque compared to the Modified Bass technique in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Regular reinforcement and patient monitoring contributed to better long-term oral hygiene outcomes.