An investigation into factors which may deter patients from undergoing orthodontic treatment

A survey of a sample of patients and their respective parents attending the Orthodontic Department at the Leeds Dental Hospital was undertaken to assess some of the socio-economic factors which may mitigate against the provision and successful completion of a course of active appliance therapy. It emphasizes that for many families an appreciable degree of inconvenience and cost is incurred and makes it essential that treatment needs are justified for each individual patient in order to reduce lack of co-operation.