Study on decision-making for orthodontic treatment plans based on analytic hierarchy process

Abstract

BackgroundOrthodontics is a common treatment for malocclusion and is essential for improving the oral health and aesthetics of patients. Currently, patients often rely on the clinical expertise and professional knowledge of doctors to select orthodontic programs. However, they lack their own objective and systematic evaluation methods to quantitatively compare different programs. Therefore, there is a need for a more comprehensive and quantitative approach to selecting orthodontic treatment plans, aiming to enhance their scientific validity and effectiveness.MethodsIn this study, a combination of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and semantic analysis was used to evaluate and compare different orthodontic treatment options. An AHP model and evaluation matrix were established through thorough research and semantic analysis of patient requirements. This model considered various treatment factors. Expert panels were invited to rate these factors using a 1–9 scale. The optimal solution was determined by ranking and comparing different orthodontic treatment plans using the geometric mean method to calculate the weights of each criterion.ResultsThe research indicates a higher preference for invisible correction compared to other orthodontic solutions, with a weight score that is 0.3923 higher. Factors such as comfort and difficulty of cleaning have been given significant attention.ConclusionThe Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method can be utilized to effectively develop orthodontic treatment plans, making the treatment process more objective, scientific, and personalized. The design of this study offers strong decision support for orthodontic treatment, potentially improving orthodontic treatment outcomes in clinical practice and ultimately enhancing oral health and patients’ quality of life.