Orthodontic treatment is widely recognized as an essential intervention for correcting malocclusions, improving facial aesthetics, and enhancing long-term oral health. However, the presence of fixed orthodontic appliances creates new ecological niches that increase plaque retention, impede effective cleaning, and elevate the risk of demineralization, gingivitis, and periodontal complications. Because of these challenges, the development and evaluation of individualized hygiene measures have become a fundamental priority in contemporary orthodontic care. This theoretical review summarizes scientific literature regarding oral hygiene difficulties during orthodontic treatment, the principles of individualized hygiene planning, evidence-based hygiene strategies, and conceptual models for assessing their effectiveness. The review highlights the importance of tailored interventions based on patient-specific risk factors, behavioral considerations, and appliance characteristics. Additionally, contemporary tools such as digital hygiene instruction, motivational interviewing, risk-based recall intervals, and adjunctive hygiene devices are discussed. The paper concludes that individualized hygiene protocols, when properly designed and continuously monitored, improve plaque control, reduce enamel demineralization, and enhance treatment outcomes. The findings emphasize the necessity of patient-centered, preventive approaches within orthodontics and support further development of theoretical frameworks for evaluating hygiene effectiveness.
