Survey study on patient's expectations and opinions of fixed orthodontic treatment.

Abstract

Aim: This study is to report patient’s orthodontic treatment expectations and opinions during the course of treatment by utilizing a questionnaire.

Materials required: A preverified questionnaire was used to study the patient’s expectations and opinions regarding fixed orthodontic treatment. Sample size was determined using value of P obtained from the previous study. The minimum sample size required for the study was estimated to be 185. Study was conducted in department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics of SRMKDC. Patients who came for their monthly review for fixed orthodontic treatment were included in the study. 

Result: Most of the patients expected the braces to be fitted in the first orthodontic visit. Patients were aware about the different treatment options and most of them were practical and wanted the treatment to be economic. Most of them are concerned cosmetically than functionally. The treatment process did interfere mildly with speech and moderately with eating habits, oral hygiene maintenance and did cause moderate ulcers in mouth. Most of them felt the treatment process to be cumbersome. The treatment results do have a positive impact on patient’s self-confidence which was reflected in their smile and profession.

 Conclusion: Patients had unrealistic expectations regarding orthodontic treatment. They wanted an economic treatment satisfying their cosmetic concern. The orthodontic treatment did affect their speech, masticatory habits, and caused ulcers in the oral cavity. The treatment outcomes positively influence patient’s self-confidence, as evidenced by improvements in their smile and professional life.