Patient perception regarding impact of orthodontic treatment

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to assess the orthodontic treatment need and outcome expectations among patients and to assess whether their expectations were realistic or unrealistic. A total of 200 physically and mentally healthy participants age 12-30 years were included in this study. These patients filled a consent form and valid questionnaire measure of orthodontic treatment need and outcome expectations. SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical evaluation. It was concluded that Patients perception regarding orthodontic treatment need varies from no treatment [4%] need to strong treatment need [18.5%]. Majority of the patients [60%] however felt significant treatment is needed. 56.6% patients themselves were concerned about their self being and felt that orthodontic treatment would improve their dento-facial concerns while 49.5% patients felt treatment need necessary but pressures from society was additional reason. 3% surly have unachievable aesthetic expectations from treatment. Out of 31.5% patients who wanted sufficiently good treatment at the end of treatment 10% were unattainable. 7%patients had unrealistic expectations, 33%patients had realistic expectations but were demanding while 60% patients had realistic expectations from treatment