title: Cleaning removable orthodontic appliances: a survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this survey was to analyze the recommendations commonly followed in Germany for cleaning removable orthodontic appliances (ROAs) and to compare these with published procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 450 randomly-selected orthodontists were contacted by telephone and asked for their recommendations for cleaning ROA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most frequent recommendation was mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush (99.8%). Chemical detergents (37.1%) and treatment with diluted vinegar or citric acid (30.5%) were mentioned less often.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of cleaning solutions was recommended comparatively infrequently, even though the scientific literature suggests that this is the most hygienic way to care for ROA.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, Medical Center for Dental and Oral Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Gießen, Germany. johanna.eichenauer@dentist.med.uni-giessen.de
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Eichenauer
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Serbesis
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ruf
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid; D019343:Citric Acid; D003625:Data Collection; D003902:Detergents; D004203:Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable / Q000382:microbiology*; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers / Q000382:microbiology*; D014099:Toothbrushing
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D019343:Citric Acid; D019342:Acetic Acid