Reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment in Jammu region: A questionnaire based survey

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Introduction: A desirable outcome in any treatment is patient’s utmost expectation. The reasons for opting Orthodontic treatment by patients is an area of research as taking into account the reasons for seeking this treatment increases the chances for better and satisfying results. The present study was conducted to determine the reasons for seeking Orthodontic treatment by patients reporting to a tertiary care dental teaching institution in Jammu region. Material and methods: This was a questionnaire based survey performed done in the department of Orthodontics. The total sample size was 360 patients who were reporting for Orthodontic treatment to Department Of Orthodontics. All the patients were told to fill a structured questionnaire related to various reasons for seeking Orthodontic treatment. The questionnaires were given to them as hard copy. The filled questionnaires were collected and responses were tabulated and sent for statistical analysis. Results: Majority of the patients were motivated by dentist/physician/speech therapist/plastic surgeon / ENT specialist/others (83.3%) for seeking the orthodontic treatment.75% patients believed that orthodontic treatment will improve their overall dental health. A vast majority of the patients (95.2%) patients believed that orthodontic treatment will bring improvement in social and psychological well being. Most (45.2%) were not aware of the role of Orthodontic treatment in improvement of mastication. 41.4% patients believed that after the treatment it will be easy to find a job. Many (71.8%) patients were seeking orthodontic treatment for matrimonial purpose. Conclusion: The reason for seeking Orthodontic treatment by majority of the patients was, dental correction and expectation of a positive social and psychological impact after the treatment as well for matrimonial reasons. Most of the patients were not sure about the other oral health related conditions resulting from Orthodontic treatment like improvement in face, speech, mastication. Though majority of the patients were self-motivated. There is a need of more patient education about the benefits and needs of Orthodontic treatment in Jammu region.