Patients perception of orthodontic treatment - A questionnaire based study

Abstract

The patient perception of malocclusion is important in determining orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine participant’s perception, attitude, dental awareness, motivation, factors influencing the necessity of treatment and considerations before opting for orthodontic treatment. A questionnaire-based survey including 14 questions, was conducted for 160 participants who came to OPD of Department of Orthodontics, BBDCODS or at private clinics for any dental problem or those who had queries for orthodontic treatment.A google form with multiple choice questions was created to assess the patient’s perception of Orthodontic treatment to investigate aesthetic concern, functional problems, psychological concern, Orthodontic awareness, and other reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment. The data of responses of participants was analysed on google form application itself with the help of spread sheet, pie charts and graphs. The study revealed that aesthetics was the main concern for getting treatment whereas functional concern was less frequently reported. Patient believed that the treatment could make them more beautiful. This survey-based questionnaire helped in assessing the patient perception and attitude towards Orthodontic treatment. Aesthetic was the major issue for seeking orthodontic treatment, and also motivating factor for the start of treatment. Cost and duration of the treatment were major barrier for the start of the orthodontic treatment.