Treatment co-operation in orthodontic patients

The aim of the present investigation was to determine the reasons for lack of patient co-operation and premature termination of orthodontic treatment. Over a period of 10 years files at the School of Dentistry, Huddinge, Sweden, showed that 80 patients (4 per cent) terminated treatment prematurely. These patients were interviewed regarding their reasons for not completing treatment. Lack of motivation was the most common reason given. Insufficient information about orthodontic treatment and lack of communication between the orthodontist and patient were the basis for the reasons given. Orthodontists require more knowledge of psychology and should have some training in information communication in order to further reduce the level of discontinued treatments.