Patient knowledge, attitude and satisfaction with clear aligners versus traditional braces: A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Technology
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Patient factors like knowledge and attitude significantly impact orthodontic treatment experiences.
• Clear aligners and traditional braces represent distinct approaches to orthodontic correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction between clear aligner therapy and traditional braces.
• To evaluate the influence of patient-centered factors on the choice and experience of orthodontic treatments.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 orthodontic patients.
• Data collected included patient knowledge scores, attitudes towards comfort and aesthetics, and overall satisfaction.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

• Patients using clear aligners demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores.
• Clear aligner users reported more positive attitudes regarding comfort and aesthetics.
• Overall satisfaction was higher with clear aligners (92%) compared to traditional braces (76%).
• Confidence in treatment efficacy was comparable between both groups.

Conclusions:

• Clear aligner therapy is associated with enhanced patient knowledge, positive attitudes, and greater satisfaction.
• Patient-centered care and individualized treatment planning are crucial for optimizing orthodontic outcomes.
• Understanding patient perspectives is key to improving the orthodontic treatment experience.