Expectations of treatment and satisfaction with dentofacial appearance in orthodontic patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate correlations between satisfaction with dental and facial appearance and expectations of orthodontic treatment. The effects of sex and age on these variables were also explored. A sample of 154 patients who applied for orthodontic treatment at the Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam, The Netherlands, completed 2 questionnaires, containing 16 items on satisfaction with facial appearance and 23 items on expectations of orthodontic treatment. First, the structure of the questionnaires was analyzed. Next, correlations between patients' expectations, satisfaction with facial appearance, age, and sex were examined. A multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of the initial facial satisfaction on expectations of orthodontic treatment. Principal components analysis of the questionnaire about expectations showed 4 factors with an Eigenvalue greater than 1, accounting for 72% of the total variance. These were defined as “general well-being,” “self-image/appearance,” “future dental health,” and “oral function.” We found that “satisfaction with facial appearance” could be divided into 2 factors, each with an Eigenvalue greater than 1, accounting for 64% of the total variance. These were interpreted as “general facial appearance” and “dental appearance.” Significant correlations were found between satisfaction with dental appearance and patients' expectations. These correlations were invariant over gender, but not over age. It was concluded that satisfaction with dental appearance is a significant predictor of orthodontic patients' expectations of treatment. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2003;123:127-32)