Abstract
Objective: The aim of this paper is to assess parents’ knowledge about early orthodontic consultation and treatment, and to determine the association of this knowledge with number of children, monthly income, children’s age and perceived dental problems. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 3000 school children aged 6–11 years. The children were asked to take the questionnaire to their parents and bring it back the next day. It consisted of 13 questions. Some of these questions were related to the gender of the child, number of children, and parents’ monthly income. The remaining questions assessed the parents’ awareness of their children’s need for orthodontic treatment. Results: In total, 2538 parents completed the questionnaire. Of these, 2014 (79%) of the parents thought that their children’s teeth would have a significant impact on their personality. Moreover, 1637 (64.5%) parents thought that their children had a problem with their teeth; 1080 (66%) of these parents consulted a dentist. Of these 1080 parents, 821 (76%) consulted an orthodontist, and of these 821 parents, 449 (55%) initiated the required orthodontic treatment. The number of children who visited an orthodontist was found to increase with an increase in age (p = 0.0057). Moreover, a perceived overjet was associated with a higher number of orthodontic consultations (p = 0.0326). Conclusion: Although parents’ awareness regarding their children’s orthodontic treatment is important, other factors, such as the age of the child, the severity of the malocclusion and the consulted dentist, play a role in initiating orthodontic treatment.
Highlights
The aim of the present study is to evaluate parents’ knowledge about early orthodontic consultation and treatment and the association of this knowledge with their level of education, number of children, children’s age and perceived dental problems
The assessment of the predictors of initiating the required orthodontic treatment revealed that the chance of initiating the required orthodontic treatment increased by 16% with each increase in the age category
Most (54.69%) parents who consulted an orthodontist reported that their children underwent orthodontic treatment
Summary
Occlusal development begins in the sixth week of intrauterine life and continues until years of age. The sequence of development proceeds in an orderly and timely manner, which is controlled by environmental and genetic factors [1]. An aesthetic occlusion is important for an individual’s self-esteem, attractiveness and acceptance among peers [2–4]. Children with malocclusion are reported to be teased, bullied and socially rejected, which may lead to psychological problems [2–4]. It is important to diagnose and manage the developing occlusion during primary, mixed and permanent dentition [1]. Treatment (during the transitional period) can reduce the severity of the malocclusion and the complexity of the treatment [1]. Orthodontic treatment has different effects, including improved aesthetics, function and psychosocial wellbeing [5,6]. Explain the scientific background and rationale for the investigation being reported
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