Attitudes to orthodontic treatment.

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Patient Experience
• Public Health

Background:

• Orthodontic treatment is common for improving dental aesthetics and function.
• Understanding patient and parent perspectives is crucial for optimizing treatment delivery.
• Previous research has explored treatment outcomes but less on subjective experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey patient and parent attitudes towards active orthodontic treatment.
• To identify factors influencing satisfaction and dissatisfaction during orthodontic care.
• To gather insights into perceived benefits and value of orthodontic interventions.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted at two orthodontic centers.
• Questionnaires assessed pre-treatment appearance, treatment reactions, experiences, benefits, and value.
• Data were collected from both patients and their parents regarding their orthodontic journey.

Main Results:

• Both patients and parents expressed general satisfaction with the orthodontic treatment received.
• Pain associated with orthodontic appliances emerged as a significant discouraging factor.
• The appearance of the orthodontic appliance also contributed to negative patient experiences.

Conclusions:

• Active orthodontic treatment generally leads to positive patient and parent satisfaction.
• Addressing patient comfort and appliance aesthetics can enhance the overall treatment experience.
• Minimizing pain and improving appliance design are key areas for future orthodontic research and practice.