Developments in making patients' orthodontic choices better

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Health Psychology
• Decision Science

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment requires long-term patient cooperation (2-3 years).
• Patient understanding of treatment and alignment with expectations are crucial for success.
• Long treatment durations involve patients from childhood to adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on orthodontic information effectiveness for patient involvement.
• To critique current information provision using decision and behavior science research.
• To understand how patients make sense of orthodontic information for treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of evidence on orthodontic information.
• Critique of current information practices.
• Reference to decision and behavior science research on information processing.

Main Results:

• Orthodontic information often focuses on 'facts,' not patient understanding or adherence.
• Limited evidence exists on how patients interpret orthodontic issues.
• Gaps in understanding parental decision-making and lifespan information needs were identified.

Conclusions:

• Service providers need critical questions to evaluate information effectiveness.
• Further research is required to ensure orthodontic information is relevant and assimilated by patients.
• Empirical evidence is needed to improve patient understanding and treatment adherence.