Discontinuation of Orthodontic Treatment: what are the early predictive factors?

Abstract

Discontinuation of orthodontic treatment has iatrogenic, psychological, ergonomic and financial consequences. The objective of this study was to investigate early risk factors (prior to installation) of discontinuation of orthodontic treatment. We performed a case-control study between a group of patients who dropped their orthodontic treatment ("A") and a randomly selected group of patients who had completed their orthodontic treatment ("NA"). The two groups were compared, with descriptive, uni and multivariate analyzes. The risk factors assessed were age, gender, socioeconomic status, type of treatment, dysmorphism, malocclusion, need for treatment, compliance. In the dropout group 55 patients were included ("A") and 100 in the non-abandoned ("NA") group randomly selected. The subject at risk of abandonment was a girl of less than 11 years of age with a low socio-economic level with antero-posterior and vertical skeletal dysmorphisms, a molar class II, a teeth crowding, a small aesthetic prejudice or, on the contrary, very important, complex treatment (with extractions or with surgery) and having delays or missed appointments before the installation of the orthodontic appliance. Patients' motivation needs to be strengthened for both extremes: treatments that appear simple and conversely for complex cases requiring strong cooperation.