Plaque levels of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances measured by digital plaque image analysis.

Introduction: A digital plaque image analysis system was developed to objectively assess dental plaque formation and coverage in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Methods: The technique was used to assess plaque levels of 52 patients undergoing treatment with fixed appliances in the Department of Orthodontics at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany.

Results: Plaque levels ranged from 5.