A survey to assess the knowledge and attitude of adults from the age group of 18 to 35 Years towards comprehensive orthodontic treatment - A questionnaire based study on adult orthodontics

Abstract

Facial appearance has proved to play a key role in social and psychosocial settings. With the advances in Orthodontics, patients have become more aware about the possibility of correcting malocclusions via Braces. Adults however, face some roadblocks before making a confident decision. Understanding these concerns would help provide optimum treatment to such patients. To assess the knowledge and attitude of Adult patients towards Orthodontic treatmentA sample of 205 participants was taken (155 Female and 50 Male) after assessing the sample size within the age group of 18 - 35 year of age. A Questionnaire was created on Google forms and circulated to participants using various social media platforms. The data of responses of participants was analyzed on Google forms application itself with the help of pie charts and graphs.Majority of the participants, both with or without braces asserted that age was not a barrier in getting orthodontic treatment done. They also suggested that it was never too late to undergo Orthodontic treatment and that it could be carried out at any age. Majority of the participants, both treated and non-treated cases also believed that Orthodontic treatment improved function and enhanced the Facial appearance. Participants also believed that Orthodontic treatment would boost their confidence and in no way, would wearing braces affect them socially.This survey based questionnaire helped in assessing the attitude of the general adult population towards adult Orthodontic treatment as a whole. It concluded that age is not a barrier in today’s times for getting orthodontic treatment done. Moreover, Adult Orthodontics not only improved the function, but also the Aesthetics and Self Esteem of the Adult patient undergoing treatment thus eliminating the earlier notion that Braces can be worn only up till a particular age. Prolonged treatment time was one of the causes of reluctance in many participants; however, the other benefits outweighed the time related inconvenience caused by orthodontic treatment.