Perceptions of orthodontic appliances among grade seven students and their parents

A survey of 468 Grade Seven students and 437 parents in the North Brisbane region was undertaken to determine perceptions of orthodontic appliances. Based on responses to statements on the survey, a Perception Score was created for both students and parents in relation to both fixed and removable appliances. Both students and parents had more negative perceptions of fixed appliances than of removable appliances. Fixed appliances were perceived to attract more teasing, to cause more problems in the maintenance of oral hygiene and to be more painful than a removable plate. Respondents also felt that children would have to be more careful about what they eat when wearing fixed appliances. Approximately forty per cent of students and parents did not know whether teeth could be damaged by orthodontic appliances nor whether the appliances would cause discomfort. Parents had significantly more negative perceptions of both types of orthodontic appliances than did the students. The Perceptions scores were not significantly influenced by whether the students attended a private or public sector dentist, the frequency of dental visits, any history of orthodontic treatment, nor by the parents' level of education and their occupations. A forewarning about experiences of orthodontic appliances would better prepare patients and assist operators in providing the community with a more comprehensive orthodontic service.