Evaluation of orthodontic treatment expectations of Indian parents and their children

Abstract

Introduction: With the concept of the world as a global village, emerging trend is to know the perception about the orthodontic treatment by the public in different parts of the world so that the patients can be treated accordingly. This study aimed to evaluate the orthodontic treatment expectation in Asian origin patients and their parents.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire study was done on a sample of 100 patients and the parents who visited Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. A set of 10 questions were filled by patients and parents. The data was subjected for chi-square test to check the difference between the options and between the parents and the patients.

Results: Maximum patients perceived that the initial visit will consists of check-ups and diagnosis. Significant number of parents felt that there will be a problem with eating beverage consumption with some restriction in eating (P<0.0001). Most of the parents felt that the duration of interval between the appointments was 1 month and the difference between patients and the parents was significant for this finding (P<0.0001). Most of the parents felt that the orthodontic treatment produced a better smile and there existed a significant difference between male and female parents for the same finding (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: Orthodontic treatment expectation differed significantly from the parents and their children. Gender wise difference was also noticed. The findings can be effectively utilized in motivating and managing parents and their children during/at the beginning of the orthodontic treatment.