Patterns of orthodontic treatment of children in Australia: a national population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to describe orthodontic treatment patterns of children in Australia. Methods Using data from the 2012-2014 National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS), a cross-sectional survey representative of children in Australia aged 5 to 14 years involving parental-completed questionnaires, standardised oral examinations and malocclusion severity assessment, the present study examined: sociodemographic characteristics, types and providers of orthodontic treatment, extraction rates, treatment need levels and orthodontic service access. Results Adolescents (31.7%), children from higher-income households (22.0%), and those with handicapping malocclusions (46.6%) accessed services more than their counterparts. Of those who had ever accessed services, pre-adolescents mostly had a consultation only (46.5%) and were predominantly treated using removable appliances (25.1%). Adolescents mostly had fixed appliances (38.0%). Extractions were involved in 31.0% of fixed appliance treatments. Private orthodontists provided the majority of treatment services (80.6%). There were greater numbers of higher-severity malocclusions affecting males, indigenous children, and children from lower-income households compared with their counterparts. In those with higher-severity malocclusions, males, children with high-school-only-educated parents, and children from lower-income households accessed services less than their counterparts. Conclusions The present study provides baseline information for Australian orthodontic services. Disparities in malocclusion severity and service access were noted. Increased malocclusion severity did not necessarily increase the likelihood of accessing services.