Assessment of anxiety in orthodontic patients

Abstract

Introduction: To explore stress concept in the field of dentistry is of great interest nowadays. Anxiety often lies at the basis of the decisions to avoid an orthodontic treatment, or delay the scheduled appointment. This study is aimed at comparing the anxiety levels in orthodontic patients at three different appointments.

Material and methods: The study material consisted of questionnaires completed by 60 adolescent patients (age 11-15 years) at above mentioned three different appointments i-e at insertion of separators (anx 1) at banding/bonding appointment (anx 2) and one week post banding/bonding (anx1), (anx2) and (anx3).  Patients having any psychological problem and patients or their family members, if undergone orthodontic treatment previously were excluded from the study. Norman Corah’s dental anxiety scale with modified questionnaire according to orthodontic need was used to assess the anxiety levels in these patients. Independent sample t-test was carried out to assess individual significance of anxiety at all three appointments, and paired sample t-test was applied for group comparison.

Results: Statistic ally significant levels of anxiety were found at all the three appointments. Males showed higher anxiety levels at all the appointments.

Conclusions: Anxiety should be taken seriously in all three initial appointments however banding/bonding appointment is most important for orthodontist to overcome the treatment related apprehension and anxiety of the patients.