A comparison of attitudes toward orthodontic treatment in British and American communities

Utilization of orthodontic services may be influenced as much by the social and cultural setting as by objective criteria. The public's assessment of dental irregularity and its perceptions of the psychosocial implications of malocclusion may be critical factors in the utilization of available services. To test these assumptions, two communities with historic differences in the availability and utilization of orthodontic services were selected as survey sites (Lexington, Kentucky, and Cardiff, Wales). Three-hundred eighty-five sixth grade children (11 to 12 years of age) and 123 of their parents were interviewed concerning dental esthetics, treatment need, and knowledge about, attitudes toward, and value placed on orthodontic treatment. Although the Lexington respondents had greater personal and indirect knowledge about such services, they did not have more positive perceptions about treatment; nor did they value straight teeth more highly. There were no significant differences between the groups' judgement of dental esthetics or assessment of treatment need. The differences in utilization of services in the two communities could not be explained in terms of differences in attitude toward malocclusion and orthodontic treatment.