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Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie

Published in:

07-01-2022 | Mouth Hygiene | Original Article

Mobile app for comprehensive management of orthodontic patients with fixed appliances

Design and use

Authors: Ali Tayebi, Nima Sheikh Davoodi, Kasra Rahimipour, Reza Mousavi, Monirsadat Mirzadeh, Mohammadreza Amin, Ehsan Vaseghi

Published in: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie | Issue 5/2023

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to design and implement a mobile phone application (app) aiming to enhance the cooperation and oral hygiene of orthodontic patients.

Methods

An orthodontic app named “Labkhand” was designed by a team of orthodontists and programmers according to the needs and scheduled interventions for patients. The aim of this app was to obviate the orthodontic needs of patients by providing educational content in the form of texts and videos, oral hygiene reminders, appointment reminders, and nutrition reminders. It also enabled instant messaging and chatting between patients and dental personnel. In this study, 61 patients were monitored during their orthodontic treatment procedure. All patients were evaluated using a questionnaire with 7 questions before and after a 6-month treatment period. A total of 31 patients were instructed to use the app, while the other 30 patients received treatment without the app. The collected data were analyzed using paired t‑test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test.

Results

While the control group’s questionnaire score remained almost the same (P > 0.05), the mean questionnaire score of patients in the intervention group significantly increased after using the app compared to the baseline scores acquired before using the app (P < 0.001). The greatest improvement was noted in topics related to “reminding of appointments”, “general information about orthodontic treatment”, and “oral hygiene maintenance and instructions”. “Quality of services” and “patient–orthodontist communication” showed the least improvement in patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

The Labkhand orthodontic app has multiple functions and can obviate the needs of orthodontic patients easily and at a low cost.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Mobile app for comprehensive management of orthodontic patients with fixed appliances
Design and use
Authors: Ali Tayebi
Nima Sheikh Davoodi
Kasra Rahimipour
Reza Mousavi
Monirsadat Mirzadeh
Mohammadreza Amin
Ehsan Vaseghi
Publication date: 07-01-2022
Publisher: Springer Medizin
Keyword: Mouth Hygiene
Published in: Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie / Issue 5/2023
Print ISSN: 1434-5293
Electronic ISSN: 1615-6714
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-021-00370-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Mobile app for comprehensive management of orthodontic patients with fixed appliances

Design and use

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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