Understanding, acceptance and compliance of patients towards orthodontic treatment: Questionnaire survey on ongoing cases

Abstract

To assess the understanding, acceptance and compliance of patient undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. A self-designed closed-ended questionnaire of 15 questions, addressing understanding, acceptance and compliance of patient were distributed to 400 adult patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at MIDSR Dental College, India. Cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted. Before participation in the study consent was taken from every patient. The descriptive statistics was used for evaluation of obtained data. A total of 400 participants responded to the survey. The results shows that patient’s understanding about necessity of treatment, its duration, and treatment plan for fixed orthodontic treatment was 62.2%. The acceptance rate for treatment selection by orthodontist, for wearing retainer and to convince friends or relatives for fixed orthodontic treatment was 53.52% and theywere happy with the treatment. While 69.5% patients were having good compliance for brushing teeth twice daily by using orthodontic toothbrush, for using mouthwash and for modifying diet with the fixed orthodontic treatment. Although many of patients were found to have good understanding of orthodontic therapy but acceptance towards orthodontic treatment and orthodontic treatment protocols was average. Orthodontist still need to work on this aspect to increase the acceptance of treatment among patients. The Compliance of patients was satisfactory as they strictly adhere to dietary restrictions maintained good oral hygiene by using special cleaning aids. The study concludes that the orthodontists need to take an active role in increasing orthodontics-related patient behaviours by improving patient education