Discontinuation of orthodontic treatment: a study of the contributing factors

The article reports on a project to determine the percentage of orthodontic patients who failed to complete orthodontic treatment at the Eastman Dental Hospital, London, and to identify factors that appeared to influence this. Records of patients who had undergone active orthodontic treatment which concluded either with successful completion, or early termination due to poor attendance, inadequate oral hygiene, or appliance maintenance, were studied and analysed statistically.