Orthodontic treatment demand and need in third and fourth grade schoolchildren

Orthodontic treatment demand for fixed treatment and aligners among young adults in middle Europe and South America - a questionnaire study

BACKGROUND

Patients experiencing any malocclusion, may desire for treatment. However, there is no scientific information orthodontic treatment demand and the knowledge of young adults about orthodontic treatment. The aim of the study was to assess orthodontic treatment demand in young adults from Poland and Chile, their previous orthodontic experience and their knowledge on fixed and aligner orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

The target group comprised people aged 18-30. The sample size was estimated as above 400 for each country. The survey was carried out in Polish and Spanish within 3 months and consisted of 25 questions delivered via social media. Comparisons were made between countries, age subgroups and gender.

RESULTS

The response rate was 1,99%, what stands for 1092 responses, 670 from Chile and 422 from Poland, respectively. The percentage of young adults who were already treated was 42,9% in Poland and 25,0% in Chile. The ones planning to have orthodontic treatment within a year counted for 11,8% in Poland and 5,3% in Chile. Most young adults who want to be treated (20,6%) rely on doctor's recommendation on type of appliance while 14,7% of all respondents are interested solely in aligners. Most respondents have heard about aligners (58%). Direct provider-to-customer service without a doctor is not acceptable, neither in Poland (85,1%) nor in Chile (64,8%). Most young adults provided incorrect answers referring various aspects of aligner treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In both countries, patients demand to be treated and monitored by the orthodontist. A high percentage of patients want to be treated exclusively with aligners. Direct-to-consumer orthodontics does not seem attractive to patients. Young adults do not have adequate knowledge referring to aligner treatment. Many people want to be treated despite a previous orthodontic treatment.

Fixed orthodontic appliances and adolescents' peer relations in school : A social network analysis using cross-sectional survey data

PURPOSE

Studies from the 1970s and 1980s, but also recent investigations on social media suggest that wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance can be a cause of bullying and social exclusion. With the greater uptake of orthodontic treatment in recent decades, it can be assumed that fixed braces are increasingly perceived as normal or even socially desirable. This study investigated how wearing visible fixed braces affects adolescents' social position in their peer networks using cross-sectional survey data.

METHODS

A total of 3002 students in the seventh grade (ages 12/13) at 39 secondary schools were asked about their social relationships in school. These directed network data were used to compare different indegrees (friendship, popularity and victimisation) of students with and without fixed braces. Statistical analyses were performed using ordinary least squares multiple regression models with school cohort fixed effects.

RESULTS

In all, 19% of the surveyed students indicated that they wear visible fixed braces. Girls with fixed braces were slightly more likely to be nominated for friendship and popularity and slightly less likely to be nominated for victimisation than girls without fixed braces (p < 0.05). These associations also remained stable when controlling for socioeconomic differences. Among boys, all observed associations were statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence that wearing fixed braces in adolescence is socially sanctioned by peers. Rather, female students with fixed braces even tend to hold a slightly more favourable position in their peer networks than girls without braces do. These analyses exemplify how network-analytic approaches can be successfully applied in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sociology, epidemiology and medicine.

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Self-Perceived Orthodontic Treatment Needs Amongst Tribal Adolescent With Remote Access to Orthodontic Treatment Using a Simplified Malocclusion Index

Background:

Self-perceived orthodontic treatment need is strongly influenced by what is perceived to be the esthetic norm amongst a community, and reluctance toward treatment amongst adolescents with clinically ascertained malocclusion may often be due to readily remediable factors. Of particular interest is the prevalence of malocclusion amongst such communities as a probable indicator of the role of diet and genetics in establishing a predominant clinical phenotype that may also play a role in the construct of what is perceived as the esthetic norm amongst the community, thereby influencing the self-perceived need for treatment. Studies aimed at evaluating the association between self-perceived esthetics, and self-perceived treatment need have not been performed amongst a population with no prior exposure to orthodontic treatment

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the self-perceived orthodontic treatment need amongst the tribal adolescents belonging to regions with remote access to orthodontic treatment by way of a verbally assigned index and to also identify the reasons of reluctance toward treatment to better understand how to make orthodontic treatment readily accessible to such populations.

Participants, Materials, and Methods:

The agency areas of Paderu located at 18.0833°N 82.667°E and Parvathipuram located at 18°46'N 83°25'E are 2 revenue districts of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram, respectively, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, that are home to various tribal populations with remote access to orthodontic treatment. A total of 2,016 school-going tribal adolescents of the Paderu revenue division and 819 tribal adolescents of the Parvathipuram revenue division were examined to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion. Necessary consent and permissions were obtained from the tribal authorities, the school authorities, parents, and the institutional ethical clearance committee. The screening was done utilizing natural daylight in compliance with infection prevention and control protocol. Clinical examination aimed at categorizing the observed occlusion into either ideal occlusion or one of the three classes of Angle’s class I, II, and III malocclusions. The Simplified Malocclusion Index For Layperson Evaluation (SMILE) was verbally assigned in the vernacular language while interacting with each child and the findings made note of for calculation of relevant scores related to their orthodontic awareness, self-esteem as related to self-perceived esthetics, and their self-perceived need for treatment. Reasons for reluctance to undergo treatment were noted down if expressed. An initial group of 31 adolescents categorized as presenting with clinical malocclusion were randomly picked up and assigned the SMILE index a second time to assess the reliability of the index by way of Cohen’s kappa statistic.

Results:

The initial test group of 31 individuals assigned the SMILE twice showed a Cohen’s kappa of 0.93 validating almost perfect intraoperator agreement. The SMILE index revealed that 80.95% of the adolescents of Paderu revenue division had orthodontic awareness and 79.51% had self-perceived esthetics but only 15.97% felt a need for orthodontic treatment. Pearson’s Chi squared statistical analysis indicated a gender bias related to the self-perceived need for orthodontic treatment ( X 2 [1, N = 1,371] = 19.71, P < .001). The Index assigned to the Parvathipuram division revealed that 77.04% had orthodontic awareness and 78.38 had self-perceived esthetics but only 6.95% felt the need for orthodontic treatment. Pearson’s Chi squared statistical analysis indicated a gender bias related to the self-perceived need for orthodontic treatment ( X 2 [1, N = 764] = 4.95, P = .02).

Conclusion:

The self-perceived need for orthodontic treatment is often based on the self-perceived esthetics of an individual or the self-esteem as influenced by the perceived esthetic norm of the community. Orthodontic treatment of adolescents with borderline malocclusion derangements requires careful ascertaining of the actual perceived need of the patient to enable the rendering of a justifiable orthodontic treatment with the complete trust of the young patient. This helps build community trust in regions where orthodontic treatment has not yet made in roads and may help ensure higher end of treatment satisfaction levels.

Parental influence is the most important predictor of child's orthodontic treatment demand in a preadolescent age

The aim was to explore the predictive value of objective treatment need, impaired quality of life, and parental influence on orthodontic treatment demand in preadolescents and adolescents. A secondary goal was to validate 16-item Child Perceptions Questionnaire for the 11-14 year age group (CPQ11-14): item-impact and stepwise-regression short-forms. A convenience sample of 287 participants (55% female) was used for validation. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity were evaluated. Predictors of treatment demand were explored in 197 orthodontic patients: 93 preadolescents (51% females), 104 adolescents (55% females). Hierarchical linear regression and multilevel logistic regression models were used to explore the predictive power of age, gender, objective treatment need, impaired quality of life and parental influence on treatment demand. CPQ11-14 regression short-form had acceptable psychometric properties. Significant linear predictors of treatment demand were impaired emotional well-being (EW) (β = 0.335, p = 0.002), parental influence (β = 0.221, p = 0.002), and malocclusion severity (β = 0.152, p = 0.025). In logistic regression, parental influence was revealed as the most important predictor of treatment demand in preadolescents, OR = 7.7 (95% confidence interval CI 2.4-25.1; p = 0.001); objective treatment need in adolescents, OR = 4.5 (95% CI 1.5-12.9; p = 0.006). The increase of impairment in EW by one scalar point increased treatment demand by 1.4 (95% CI 1.1-1.9; p = 0.017) in preadolescents; 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7; p = 0.021) in adolescents. Greater parental agreement and motivation for treatment could result in higher preadolescents' cooperation. Orthodontic treatment in adolescents might be more effective with the patient-oriented approach.

Satisfaction with Orthodontic Care Provided in a University Orthodontic Clinic

Objective:

To evaluate patients’ satisfaction with their orthodontic care at the Department of Orthodontics of University of Athens.

Materials and Methods:

The study sample comprised of 100 individuals whose orthodontic treatment had been completed during the period May to October 2010. A questionnaire was designed and piloted before the telephone interviews were carried out. Questions concerned socio-demographic characteristics, reason for seeking care at the Dental School, level of satisfaction with treatment outcome, fees paid for treatment, and various aspects of organisation of care provision, assessed on 1-very dissatisfied to 5-very satisfied Likert type items.

Results:

Satisfaction score was particularly high as far as treatment outcome (53% were “very satisfied” and 31% were “satisfied”), dentist’s response to an emergency (81% were “very satisfied”), and personnel’s behavior at initial examination (81% were “very satisfied”) were concerned. Factors appearing to require improvement were the waiting time from initial examination to the beginning of treatment, the waiting room and the duration of treatment. Overall satisfaction was found to be significantly associated with total duration of treatment, fees paid by patients, treatment outcome, the behaviour of personnel who conducted first clinical examination, and dentist’s response to an emergency. Overall satisfaction was confirmed as the vast majority of patients (97%) would recommend the Orthodontic Clinic.

Conclusion:

While the Orthodontics Clinic enjoys overall highly satisfied patients, there is scope for improvement of organizational aspects of care provision like the waiting time between the initial examination and the beginning of treatment, the waiting room and the duration of treatment.

Patient Satisfaction with Orthodontic Treatment Received in Public and Private Hospitals in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND:

The demand for orthodontic treatment is on the rise, and there are high patient expectations for improved dentofacial appearance. Patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment is associated with improving treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment received in public and private hospitals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on a calculated sample of patients who received orthodontic treatment in public and private hospitals in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire (five-point Likert scale) was used to assess patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment.

RESULTS:

A total of 229 out of 243 patients completed the survey (response rate = 94.2%). The mean age of the participants was 22.69 ± 6.34 years. More females (65.5%) than males (34.5%) participated in the study. The participants gave the highest satisfaction score to the doctor-patient relationship (mean score 4.33). This was followed by dentofacial improvement (mean score 4.23), dental functions (mean score 4.20), and psychosocial improvement (mean score 3.94). The participants provided significantly more positive perspective about doctor-patient relationship in public than private hospitals (P = 0.014). The patients treated in private hospitals were more satisfied with dental functions domain than those who received treatment in public hospitals (P = 0.023). The patients treated by public orthodontists were significantly more satisfied with other domains (situational aspect and residual category) than by the private orthodontists.

CONCLUSION:

The doctor-patient relationship was the most important factor in satisfaction with orthodontic treatment. Overall, patients treated in public hospitals were more satisfied with orthodontic treatment than those in private hospitals.

Surgical Treatment of Posttraumatic Laterognathia: A Case Report and a Literature Review, Focused on the Effects of a Condylar Fracture on the Face

Facial asymmetry, following early childhood condylar trauma, is a common complaint among patients who seek surgical treatment. G.D.M., a 27-year-old male patient, sought professional help to correct his cosmetic flaw, caused by a condylar fracture when he was 8-years-old. After the proper orthodontic treatment, he underwent a double jaw orthognathic surgery and, 9 months later, a second one to correct the remaining asymmetry. Two years after this second procedure, the patient is still under surveillance and has no complaints.

Changes in white spot lesions following post-orthodontic weekly application of 1.25 per cent fluoride gel over 6 months-a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Part I: photographic data evaluation

Background

White spot lesions (WSLs) are a frequent side-effect of multibracket appliance treatment. The effect of local fluoridation on post-orthodontic WSL is however inconclusive.

Objective

Assessment of WSL changes in response to weekly 1.25 per cent fluoride gel application after multibracket appliance treatment.

Trial design

Randomized, single-centre, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study.

Participants

Patients with not less than 1 WSL (modified score 1 or 2) on not less than 1 upper front teeth after debonding.

Interventions

Professional fluoride/placebo gel application during weeks 1-2; self-administered home application (weeks 3-24).

Outcomes

Photographic WSL assessment (dimension and luminance) of the upper front teeth (T0-T5).

Randomization

Random assignment to test (n = 23) or placebo group (n = 23) using a sequentially numbered list (random allocation sequence generated for 50 subjects in 25 blocks of 2 subjects each).

Recruitment

The clinical study duration lasted from March 2011 to September 2013.

Blinding

Unblinding was performed after complete data evaluation.

Numbers analysed

Intent-to-treat analysis set comprising 39 participants (test: n = 21, placebo: n = 18).

Outcome

Dimensional WSL quantification showed limited reliability. Luminance improvement (%) of WSL, however, was seen after 6 months (test/placebo: tooth 12, 24.8/18.0; tooth 11, 38.4/35.4; tooth 21, 39.6/38.3; and tooth 22, 15.2/25.0). No statistically significant group difference existed. Data suggest that WSLs are difficult to measure with respect to reliability and repeatability and methods for monitoring WSLs in clinical trials require improvement/validation.

Harms

Similar adverse events occurred in both groups; none was classified as possibly related to the study product.

Limitations

The number of dropouts was higher than expected and the socio-economic status was not assessed. Furthermore, the unknown level of compliance during the home application phase must be considered as limitation.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, no difference could be detected with respect to the development of WSL under post-orthodontic high-dose fluoride treatment.

Registration

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01329731).

Protocol

The protocol wasn't published before trial commencement.

Relationships among satisfaction, treatment motivation, and expectations in orthodontic patients: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few research projects have looked at patient satisfaction with treatment outcome and factors contributing to satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine treatment motivation and expectation associated with treatment-outcome satisfaction in a group of adolescent nonextraction orthodontic patients. We hypothesized that there would be significant correlations among treatment-outcome satisfaction, motivation, and expectations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A sample of 120 patients who received orthodontic treatment at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine completed two questionnaires. Before treatment, questionnaire 1 was given to patients to assess treatment motivation and expectations. When treatment had been completed, questionnaire 2, concerning treatment satisfaction, was assessed. Spearman's rank correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the relationships among treatment satisfaction, expectations, and motivation.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients completed the two questionnaires. There was a tendency toward significant correlations between treatment motivation and overall satisfaction with treatment (β-coefficient -0.264, 95% confidence interval -0.456 to 2.314; P<0.001). However, correlations among treatment motivation and satisfaction with changes made and satisfaction with one's appearance posttreatment were more fragmented. No relationship between treatment expectation and satisfaction was found (β-coefficient -0.126; 95% confidence interval -0.024 to 0.524; P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Motivation was correlated with satisfaction with treatment outcome. Patients' expectations had no correlation with treatment satisfaction.

Microbial contamination of toothbrushes during treatment with multibracket appliances

Introduction

It was aimed to assess the retention of caries-associated microorganisms on two different manual toothbrushes (conventional and tapered) and to evaluate the influence of multibracket appliances (MB) on the microbial contamination of the brush head.

Methods

50 MB-patients and 50 subjects without MB received a toothbrush (elmex® interX medium short head or meridol®) plus toothpaste (elmex®) for exclusive use and an information sheet with standardised brushing instructions. After 14 days of regular tooth brushing, the brushes were collected and sluiced in Sputasol solution. The suspension was incubated on selective agar plates and the amount of Streptococcus mutans, lactobacilli and Candida albicans for each brush head was assessed.

Results

Regarding the retention of microorganisms, no differences could be detected between the two bristle designs. However, the amount of S. mutans was significantly higher on brushes used by MB-patients (p < 0.005) than on the brushes of subjects without MB. The number of Lactobacilli and C. albicans was minimal in all cases and below statistical evaluation.

Conclusions

During treatment with MB appliances, toothbrushes were contaminated more intensely with S. mutans independent of bristle design. A more frequent replacement of toothbrushes may thus be recommended for patients undergoing MB-treatment.

Evaluation of orthodontic treatment needs using the dental aesthetic index in Iranian students

BACKGROUND

In the contemporary orthodontics, the number of people who demand orthodontic treatment to improve their psychosocial issues related to facial esthetic is constantly increasing. Even in treatment plans, appearance and esthetic gain more attention.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the need for orthodontic treatment on the basis of the dental aesthetic index (DAI) in the Iranian students of Ahvaz city.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross sectional study was performed on 900 students aged between 11 - 14 years (450 boys, 450 girls). Schools were selected based on random cluster sampling from different parts of the city. Students\ who had or were having orthodontic treatment including those on interceptive orthodontics, were excluded from the study. Two questionnaires were used; the first one included different DAI criteria, and the second one included two questions about orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction of personal dental appearance. The results were analyzed by Chi-Square and T test.

RESULTS

In 70.9% of the students, DAI score was 13 - 25, 19.2% of the samples had a DAI score of 26 - 30, the DAI score of 7.8% was 31 - 35, and in 2.1% the DAI score was greater than 35. The association between the DAI score and sex was not statistically significant (P = 0.778). In relation to orthodontic treatment need, 44.8% of students answered positively, while in 55.2% the answer was negative. In relation to satisfaction with appearance, 21% of the students were satisfied with their appearance, 59% were relatively satisfied, and 19.9% were not satisfied with their appearance. The association between DAI score and the need for orthodontic treatment and satisfaction of dental appearance was significant (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

In comparison to other studies, the students in Iran (Ahvaz) have a better dental appearance and less need for orthodontic treatment. Significantly positive correlations were found between the DAI and satisfaction of dental appearance, orthodontic treatment need and student's perception.

Satisfaction with orthodontic treatment

OBJECTIVES

To examine the satisfaction of patients with their orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) in The Netherlands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To analyze differences in satisfaction through time, the results of patients treated at ACTA in 2008 and 2009 were compared with the results of patients treated at ACTA in 2000. A validated questionnaire about patient satisfaction was used. The total scale was divided into six subscales. A questionnaire was sent to all patients younger than 30 years who finished orthodontic treatment in 2008 and 2009 at ACTA.

RESULTS

The internal consistency of the total scale and the six subscales of the questionnaire was satisfactory. Respondents scored highest on items about satisfaction with the doctor-patient relationship (mean 4.24; SD 0.63) and lowest on items regarding their satisfaction with psychosocial improvement (mean 2.88; SD 0.87). Compared to the results of the sample from 2000, significant differences were found on the subscales doctor-patient relationship, residual category, and psychosocial improvement as well as on the total sum scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The doctor-patient relationship remains the most important factor contributing to patient satisfaction. However, the results show that, overall, patients are more satisfied with their orthodontic treatment than patients were a decade ago.

Validity assessment and determination of the cutoff value for the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need among 12-13 year-olds in Southern Chinese

To validate the use of the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) in assessing orthodontic treatment need among 12–13 year-olds in southern China, we determined the threshold value of ICON based on Chinese orthodontists' judgments. The samples consisted of 335 students in grade 7 from 16 randomly selected middle schools in Chengdu, China. Three associate professors provided ICON scores for each participant and the results were compared with the gold standard judgments from 25 experts on treatment needs. Based on the gold standard, 195 casts belonged to the treatment category, while the rest 140 belonged to the no-treatment category. With the international cutoff point of 43, the sensitivity and specificity of the ICON score were 0.29 and 0.98. The best compromise between sensitivity and specificity in Chengdu, compared with the gold standard, was found at a cutoff point of 29, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 and 0.83. When used to evaluate the treatment need of 12–13 year-olds in southern China, the international ICON cutoff value did not correspond well with Chinese orthodontists' judgments; a lower cutoff value of 29 offered a greater sensitivity and specificity with respect to expert orthodontists' perception of treatment need.

Geographic accessibility and utilization of orthodontic services among Medicaid children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To describe rates of Medicaid-funded services provided by orthodontists in Iowa to children and adolescents, identify factors associated with utilization, and describe geographic barriers to care.

METHODS

We analyzed enrollment and claims data from the Iowa Medicaid program for a 3-year period, January 2008 through December 2010. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with utilization of orthodontic services as the main outcome variable. Service areas were identified by small area analysis in order to examine regional variability in utilization.

RESULTS

The overall rate of orthodontic utilization was 3.1 percent. Medicaid enrollees living in small towns and rural areas were more likely to utilize orthodontic services than those living in urban areas. Children who had an oral evaluation by a primary care provider in the year prior to the study period were more likely to receive orthodontic services. Service areas with lower population density and greater mean travel distance to participating orthodontists had higher utilization rates than smaller, more densely populated areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Rural residency and increased travel distances do not appear to act as barriers to orthodontic care for this population. The wide variability of utilization rates seen across service areas may be related to workforce supply in the form of orthodontists who accept Medicaid-insured patients. Referrals to orthodontists from primary care dentists may improve access to specialty care for Medicaid enrollees.

White-spot lesions during multibracket appliance treatment: A challenge for clinical excellence

INTRODUCTION

White-spot lesions (WSL) are one of the most undesired side effects of multibracket appliance treatment (MB). The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and further course of WSL during and after MB.

METHODS

Four hundred patients (168 boys, 232 girls) meeting the inclusion criteria--all maxillary front teeth fully erupted and visible before treatment, no fillings or structural abnormalities, MB duration of at least 1 year, and retention period of at least 1 year--were selected. The patients' average age was 13.7 years (SD, 3.5), and the average MB time was 1.9 years (SD, 3.6). All patients received standardized general prophylactic instructions. A modification of the WSL index was used to evaluate the 4 maxillary front teeth on introral photos before and after treatment, and after retention.

RESULTS

Before treatment, 32.3% of the patients had WSL. After MB, 73.5% of the patients presented WSL. The incidence of WSL during MB was 60.9% of the patients. After treatment, most patients (63.3%) had mild lesions, but the remaining were affected severely with (26.9%) and without (9.9%) cavitations. Only 26% of the patients were free of WSL all the time. After the retention phase, most (57.1%) of the WSL patients after treatment showed improvement, 26% remained unchanged, and 16.7% deteriorated. Male WSL patients tended to show more severe WSL than did the girls. There was a tendency for increased WSL development during the adolescent years compared with the preadolescent and postadolescent age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

With only standardized general prophylactic measures, new WSL developing on the maxillary front teeth during MB remain a frequent undesired side effect, affecting 60.9% of patients and counteracting our efforts for clinical excellence.

Factors associated with long-term patient satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with patient satisfaction at least 5 years after orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 209 orthodontic patients were included in the study. All subjects were treated with upper and lower fixed orthodontic appliances. Dental casts (n = 627) were examined using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index pretreatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2) and at a long-term follow-up (mean, 8.5 years; T3). At T3, a Dental Impact on Daily Living questionnaire was used to assess the long-term effects of orthodontic treatment on daily living and satisfaction with the dentition. Multiple regression analyses were used to quantify associations between patient satisfaction and changes produced by the orthodontic treatment (PAR T2-T1), posttreatment stability (PAR T3), age at the start of treatment (T1), treatment duration (T2-T1), gender, and extraction.

RESULTS

Orthodontic treatment produced a significant improvement of 94.2% in the PAR Index (T2-T1), but this change was not associated with the level of satisfaction when the patient was questioned at least 5 years after treatment. Regression analysis showed that satisfaction was significantly associated only with the long-term posttreatment PAR index (r(2) = 0.125, P < .0001). No significant association was observed with the severity of malocclusion at the beginning (PAR-T1) or end of the orthodontic treatment (PAR-T2), age at T1, the amount of time taken during orthodontic treatment, gender, or extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the long term, patient satisfaction is slightly associated with the stability of the orthodontic treatment regardless of the initial occlusal condition or the final result of the orthodontic treatment.

Effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic treatment in reducing malocclusions

INTRODUCTION

In this retrospective cohort study of the effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic treatment, we compared patients receiving interceptive orthodontic treatment with untreated control subjects.

METHODS

Models were scored by using the index of complexity, outcome and need (ICON). Control models (n = 113) were archival and were selected based on malocclusion in the early mixed dentition and no orthodontic treatment during the subsequent 2 years. The patients (n = 133) were in the mixed dentition and consecutively treated in the University of Bergen orthodontic clinic. Initial ages were 9.4 years (+ or - 1.4) for the treated group and 9.3 years (+ or - 0.8) for the control group. The treatment took a mean of 27.2 months (+ or - 16.3) for the patients; the control group was observed for a mean of 24.4 months (+ or - 3.6). Subject Groups were matched for age, need, complexity, duration, and all ICON components except spacing (P <0.006) and crossbite (P <0.000).

RESULTS

ICON scores decreased after treatment by 38.8% (P <0.0001) from 54.9 (+ or - 16.6) to 33.6 (+ or - 16.1). The controls were unchanged, with ICON scores of 54.0 (+ or - 14.8) and 54.2 (+ or - 16.9). Improvement grades were different (P <0.0001), with most controls categorized as "not improved or worse" (89.4%), whereas only 36.1% of the treated group were in that category. However, there were increases in the "minimal," "moderate," and "substantial" improvement categories for the treated subjects (22.6%, 21.1%, and 17.3%, respectively). The controls did not change in any ICON component and worsened in crowding (P <0.007), whereas the patients improved in esthetics, crowding, crossbite, and overbite (P <0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that interceptive orthodontic treatment is effective for improving malocclusion but does not produce finished-quality results.

Oral health disparities in Appalachia: orthodontic treatment need and demand

BACKGROUND

Significant oral health disparities affect people in West Virginia and elsewhere in Appalachia. Although oral diseases such as caries are a major problem, little is known about the occlusal status of this under-served group.

METHODS

Fifty-eight adolescents (ages 12-17 years) and 78 of their parents underwent an orthodontic examination as part of a larger study on oral health in two rural West Virginia counties. Two orthodontists used a standardized index to rate their need for orthodontic care. Participants were interviewed regarding their demand for and history of orthodontic care.

RESULTS

The study results show that parents had a high rate of complete or partial edentulism, an infrequent history of orthodontic treatment, great unmet orthodontic need and less demand for orthodontic care than was suggested by their clinically determined need. The adolescents were similar to national norms with regard to orthodontic treatment history and need, but lower with regard to demand.

CONCLUSIONS

The adolescents' similarity to general population norms with regard to previous orthodontic care and level of occlusal status is promising. Nevertheless, their lower recognition of a need for treatment suggests possible future oral health problems and a lower oral health quality of life. Their parents, however, were considerably worse off, in comparison with their adolescent children and adult comparison samples, with regard to orthodontic care and other oral health status measures.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Culturally sensitive psychoeducational methods to promote recognition of oral health needs may be required among adolescents in Appalachia to have an impact on oral health values and to prevent oral health problems. Issues of orthodontic care utilization and, perhaps, access to care need to be addressed among adults in Appalachia.

Influence of panel composition on aesthetic evaluation of adolescent faces

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of professional background, age, gender, and geographical region of panel members on their evaluation of the facial aesthetics of adolescents, and to assess the optimal panel size for epidemiological studies on facial aesthetics. A panel of 76 adult laymen from two different regions (Belgium and The Netherlands) and a panel of 89 orthodontists from the same two regions, evaluated photographic sets (one frontal, one three-quarter smiling, and one lateral view) of 64 adolescents (32 boys, 32 girls) on a visual analogue scale (VAS) in relation to a reference set of photographs. The effects of the characteristics of the panel members on the VAS scores for boys and girls separately, as well as their interactions, were evaluated by multilevel models. The adolescents entered the model as a random effect and four characteristics of the panel members were included in the model as fixed effects. The multilevel model with main effects and first-order interactions revealed that laymen rated adolescents as more attractive than orthodontists. This finding was significant for all laymen, except for older males, and Belgian laymen, when rating girls. Older panel members rated boys significantly more attractive than younger panel members. Males rated adolescents more attractive than females. The latter was significant for all male subgroups, except for the lay male subgroup. There were regional differences. Based on the intraclass correlation coefficient, a panel of seven randomly selected laymen and/or orthodontists is sufficient to obtain reliable results in the aesthetic evaluation of adolescent faces, using photographs and a VAS.

Socio-environmental factors associated with dental occlusion in adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Information about the distribution of malocclusion in the population and identification of factors and conditions associated with it could help researchers build models to understand its occurrence and help public-health policy makers improve interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the severity of occlusal disorders in Brazilian adolescents, 12 and 18 years old, and to investigate associations between occlusal disorders and demographic, socio-environmental, and clinical variables.

METHODS

Secondary data from a cross-sectional study, including 13,801 dental occlusion status records from a probabilistic sample randomly selected from public and private schools in 131 cities in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed according to the dental aesthetic index (DAI). The proportion of DAI scores greater than 30 were compared between ages, sexes, white and nonwhite students, urban and rural dwellers, and private and public school students; and they were compared with variables such as access to fluoridated tap water and city population, and with clinical aspects such as the care index (CI) and the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. Data analysis included frequency distribution calculation and multiple logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

The mean DAI score for the sample was 24.33 (SD 7.54), and 16.5% of the subjects had DAI scores of 30 or more (severe or very severe malocclusion). The rate of DAI >31 was significantly higher among 12-year-olds, nonwhites, public-school students, those from smaller municipalities, those without fluoridated tap water, and those with a CI <51%, a DMFT score >4 at age 12 years, or a DMFT score >6 at age 18 years. At age 18, fewer subjects had DAI scores >30; the components responsible for this reduction were spacing in at least 1 incisal segment, midline diastema > or =1, and anterior maxillary overjet > or =4.

CONCLUSION

Some socio-environmental factors are associated with severity of malocclusion in adolescents.

Prevalence and severity of malocclusion in adolescent Kuwaitis

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to evaluate prevalence and severity of malocclusion in an adolescent Kuwaiti population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using a stratified cluster sampling method and excluding non-Kuwaitis, subjects with mesial migration and/or loss of first molars, and subjects with orthodontic treatment experience without availability of initial study models, we examined 1,299 Kuwaitis (674 boys and 625 girls) of mean age 13.2 +/- 0.4 years in a regular well lit classroom. We scored molar and canine relationship, overjet, overbite, anterior and posterior cross bite as well as spacing and irregularity of the incisors using gloves, mirrors, rulers, and spatulas.

RESULTS

Fourteen, 15, and 71% met the criteria for almost ideal, mild, and moderate to severe malocclusion, respectively. Of the 86% with malocclusion, occurrence of class 1, half step class 2, full step class 2, half step class 3, and full step class 3 was 57.8, 24.9, 6.3, 8.8, and 2.2% for the first molars, and 36.1, 50.0, 6.2, 5.4, and 2.3% for the canines, respectively. Incisor malalignment was the most prevalent malocclusion trait (73.2%). Overjet > or = 9.5 mm occurred in less than 1.5%, open bite in less than 3.5%, deep bite with gingival contact in less than 2.0%, complete posterior cross bite in less than 1.5%, and complete anterior crossbite in less than 2.0%. Median diastema was present in about 2/3 of the cases with maxillary anterior spacing as opposed to only about 1/3 of those with mandibular spacing.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that more than 70% of young adolescent Kuwaitis have moderate to severe malocclusion, with incisor malalignment as the most prevalent malocclusion trait.

A measuring system for facial aesthetics in Caucasian adolescents: reproducibility and validity

A new measuring system to judge facial aesthetics in young Caucasians is presented. The system uses sets of three photographs (one frontal, one three-quarter smiling, and one lateral) as a stimulus. Scores are performed on a visual analogue scale (VAS) with separate sets of reference photographs for girls and boys. The choice of the reference photographs was based on a panel evaluation of facial aesthetics of 40 boys and 40 girls from the archive of the orthodontic department. Reproducibility of the new measuring system was tested on a series of photographic sets (one frontal, one three-quarter smiling, and one lateral view) of 64 patients, using a panel of 78 adult laymen and 89 professionals. The panel members assessed these sets of photographs on a VAS, in relation to the reference sets. The system was shown to be reproducible. Although the intra-observer reproducibility was low, the reliability coefficient was excellent (Cronbach's alpha > or = 0.98). Validity was tested by comparing the scores on the new scales with those of the three-quarter smiling photographic views on an earlier published scale. The correlation between the ratings on the new measuring system and the earlier published scale was 0.82 for laymen and 0.77 for professionals. The new system is simple and flexible in its use, and reproducible and valid for assessing facial aesthetics in young Caucasians. The system can be used in further investigations on the evaluation of facial aesthetics.

The effectiveness of phase I orthodontic treatment in a Medicaid population

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of early orthodontic treatment for Medicaid-enrolled children in the mixed dentition was assessed and compared with results in a population of private-pay patients.

MATERIAL

Pre- and posttreatment casts from 196 subjects treated with interceptive orthodontics in the mixed dentition were evaluated by using the peer assessment rating (PAR) index and the index of complexity, outcome, and need (ICON). Ninety-six of the patients were treated at Odessa Brown Community Clinic in Seattle; their treatment was paid by Medicaid. One hundred private-pay patients were treated at the University of Washington graduate orthodontic clinic. The Medicaid and private-pay populations were comparable with respect to initial severity of malocclusion, as assessed by both indexes.

RESULTS

PAR and ICON scores fell by similar amounts in the Medicaid (44.1% and 37.5%, respectively) and private-pay (46.8% and 37.3%, respectively) populations. Thus, the groups exhibited similar degrees of improvement with interceptive orthodontic treatment. According to the PAR and ICON, midline discrepancy, overjet, and esthetics exhibited the greatest improvement. The Medicaid population missed significantly more appointments and had poorer oral hygiene than the private-pay group, but these factors did not appear to worsen the outcomes, as measured by the 2 indexes. An appliance with 2 bands and 4 brackets was the most commonly used, and it produced the most significant treatment effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Phase I orthodontic treatment significantly reduces malocclusion severity in Medicaid and private-pay populations. There was no difference in initial severity or final outcome, as assessed by the PAR and ICON, between Medicaid and private-pay populations. The degree of improvement in PAR scores did not appear to be associated with compliance.

Orthodontic care in an insured population in Washington: demographic factors

Few studies have used insurance claims data to investigate demographic factors related to orthodontic care. This study sought to describe age and sex distributions in a large, insured population in Washington. Additionally, the demand for orthodontic care was evaluated with respect to county population, and the impact of the availability of orthodontists was investigated. All orthodontic claims in 2001 were retrieved from the Washington Dental Service database, along with associated provider and patient information. A total of 102,984 claims were included in this study. A large percentage of subjects (86%) were less than 20 years old, with most patients in their early teens. Overall, about 64% of all orthodontic patients were female. The demand for orthodontic treatment was the highest in the counties with the largest populations. Although there was considerable variation in the data, the number of orthodontic claims submitted by general dentists tended to decline as the availability of orthodontists increased.

Disparity in orthodontic utilization and treatment need among high school students

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the disparity in utilization of orthodontic services among high school students and to measure and characterize the extent of unmet treatment needs among untreated students at the time of examination.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 2,808 tenth grade students enrolled in different public and private high schools. All subjects completed a dental survey that included questions on demographic, dental health, and orthodontic services, and assessment of smile using the visual analog scale. A subsample of dental study casts that were available for 561 untreated subjects were scored using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) to estimate unmet treatment need.

RESULTS

The orthodontic utilization rate was 37 percent. The odds of being orthodontically treated were 8.7 times greater among those with dental visits within the past year than among those without, and three times greater among Caucasians than among other ethnic groups. The DAI indicated that the unmet treatment need was 29 percent, with ethnic minority groups having 2.6 greater odds of needing treatment than Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

Minority groups and infrequent dental attenders may experience disparities in unmet orthodontic treatment need.

Perceptions of dental attractiveness and orthodontic treatment need among Tanzanian children

The aim of this study was to assess the opinions of Tanzanian children on dental attractiveness and their perceptions of orthodontic treatment need in relation to their own dental attractiveness as measured by the aesthetic component (AC) of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). In a random sample of 386 school children (48% boys, 52% girls), aged 9 to 18 years, the subjective need was assessed by using a prestructured questionnaire, and attractiveness was scored by using 18 intraoral frontal photographs. Orthodontic treatment need was measured with the IOTN, and 11% of the children definitely needed orthodontic treatment (grades 8-10 of the AC with 4-5 of the dental health component [DHC]). The AC indicated that 11% of the children needed orthodontic treatment, whereas the DHC indicated 22%. Although 38% of the children said they needed treatment, 33% and 31% were unhappy with the arrangement and the appearance of their teeth, respectively. Most children (85%) recognized well-aligned teeth as important for overall facial appearance. Photographs showing severe deviations including crowding were regarded as the most unattractive, with older children tending to dislike them the most (P <.0005). This suggests that, from the children's point of view, grades 8-10 of the AC and 4-5 of the DHC could be given the first priority when considering an orthodontic treatment policy in Tanzania.

Expectations of treatment and satisfaction with dentofacial appearance in orthodontic patients

The aim of this study was to investigate correlations between satisfaction with dental and facial appearance and expectations of orthodontic treatment. The effects of sex and age on these variables were also explored. A sample of 154 patients who applied for orthodontic treatment at the Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam, The Netherlands, completed 2 questionnaires, containing 16 items on satisfaction with facial appearance and 23 items on expectations of orthodontic treatment. First, the structure of the questionnaires was analyzed. Next, correlations between patients' expectations, satisfaction with facial appearance, age, and sex were examined. A multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of the initial facial satisfaction on expectations of orthodontic treatment. Principal components analysis of the questionnaire about expectations showed 4 factors with an Eigenvalue greater than 1, accounting for 72% of the total variance. These were defined as "general well-being," "self-image/appearance," "future dental health," and "oral function." We found that "satisfaction with facial appearance" could be divided into 2 factors, each with an Eigenvalue greater than 1, accounting for 64% of the total variance. These were interpreted as "general facial appearance" and "dental appearance." Significant correlations were found between satisfaction with dental appearance and patients' expectations. These correlations were invariant over gender, but not over age. It was concluded that satisfaction with dental appearance is a significant predictor of orthodontic patients' expectations of treatment.

Prevalência de oclusopatia na dentição decídua e permanente de crianças na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, 1996

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de oclusopatia na dentição decídua e permanente de crianças de escolas públicas e privadas do Município de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, em 1996. A condição oclusal foi classificada em três categorias: normal, leve e moderada/severa conforme os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Os resultados referem-se a 985 exames em crianças de 5 e 12 anos de idade. A prevalência das oclusopatias foi alta, aumentando de 48,97 ± 4,53% na dentição decídua a 71,31 ± 3,95% na dentição permanente, sendo que a proporção de oclusopatia moderada/severa foi quase duas vezes maior na dentição permanente (OR = 1,87; IC95% = 1,43-2,45; p < 0,001). Quanto ao sexo e ao tipo de estabelecimento de ensino, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas idades estudadas. Diferenças estatísticas associadas aos grupos étnicos denotam a complexidade e diversidade da oclusão na população e sugerem que estudos longitudinais devem ser realizados.

Orthodontic dental visits during 1987 and 1996

Americans underwent approximately 355 million dental procedures during 1987, approximately 8% for orthodontic treatment. Individual rates of utilization vary and are not uniform across the population. This article provides estimates of orthodontic utilization for each of several socioeconomic and demographic categories, using household data from the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey (NMES) and the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). These data show that slightly more than 3% of the population, or approximately 39 million Americans, visited a dentist to receive orthodontic care nationwide during 1987 and 1996. For those with an orthodontic visit, the mean number of visits per patient decreased in number from 1987 to 1996.

Factors influencing the decision about orthodontic treatment. A longitudinal study among 11- and 15-year-olds and their parents

The aims of the study were to evaluate the attitude towards orthodontic treatment among 11-(T1) and 15-year-old children (T2) and their parents, to present the distribution of referral rate and treatment uptake by a treatment need index assessed at T1 and to elucidate factors influencing the decision about orthodontic treatment in the period from T1 to T2. A group of 359 children and their parents answered separate questionnaires at T1, and 293 families responded to a follow-up study 4 years later. For the clinical examination, 224 children participated after exclusion of children in active treatment. The dental study casts were assessed by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The mean referral rate was 56%, with a variation from 40% to 71% among different dental clinics. About 44% of the children had completed or were undergoing orthodontic treatment at T2. No significant sex differences among referred and treated children were discovered. Aesthetic motives were the most frequently reported subjective reason for orthodontic care. The untreated group expressed diminishing treatment desire in the follow-up period. The logistic regression analysis selected Dental Health Component (DHC) grades as a strong predictor for treatment uptake, followed by parents' concern and attitude to braces, while the 11-year-olds' own orthodontic concern was less significant. Children in the untreated group with late treatment decisions (T2) were best predicted by Aesthetic Component (AC) changes from T1 to T2. The results indicate that dentists play a key role in determining orthodontic treatment levels. High referral rates secured low risk of denying care to some patients. Treatment decision may be guided by the orthodontist. However, individual variation in attitude and desire influence treatment uptake even among children with great need.

Perception of treatment need among orthodontic patients compared with professionals

The aim was to evaluate estimated need for orthodontic treatment, as judged from intraoral photographs, among orthodontic patients and professionals. Twenty consecutive prospective orthodontic patients, 20 consecutive orthodontically treated patients, 10 randomized general dentists, and 10 orthodontists participated. Seventy pairs of anonymous intraoral photographs of dentitions with varying degrees of objective treatment need were randomly arranged in a notebook. The general dentists and orthodontists rated orthodontic treatment need on a visual analog scale in a similar way among themselves and were more reserved than both patient categories, who also scored similarly among themselves. Professional raters also had similar inter- and intra-rater reliability among themselves, and it was higher than in either of the patient categories. Treatment providers appear to be more restrictive, consistent, and reliable in their judgement of orthodontic treatment need from intraoral photographs than the target group, patients positive toward orthodontic treatment.

Prevalence of orthodontic asymmetries

Epidemiological studies of the occlusal status of the US population do not include the prevalence of orthodontic asymmetries. To estimate the magnitude of dental and facial asymmetries in adolescents with no history of orthodontic treatment, data were analyzed from two mass orthodontic screenings that had been conducted on public schoolchildren in Florida. An analysis of orthodontic records of patients in treatment at the Virginia Commonwealth University graduate orthodontic clinic provided prevalence data on dental and facial asymmetries in a population of orthodontic patients. In the Florida studies, the two screenings yielded 5,817 untreated children (mean age, 9.3 +/- 0.8 years) and 861 untreated children (mean age, 14.4 +/- 0.5 years). Sagittal molar asymmetry was found in 30% of the children in the first screening and in 23% in the second screening. Additional asymmetry assessments in the second screening showed 12% facial asymmetry and 21% noncoincidence of dental midlines. Among orthodontic patients, the most common asymmetry trait was mandibular midline deviation from the facial midline. This occurred in 62% of patients, followed, in descending order of frequency, by lack of dental midline coincidence (46%), maxillary midline deviation from the facial midline (39%), molar classification asymmetry (22%), maxillary occlusal asymmetry (20%), mandibular occlusal asymmetry (18%), facial asymmetry (6%), chin deviation (4%), and nose deviation (3%).

Psychological influences on the timing of orthodontic treatment

Debates about the "ideal" timing of orthodontic treatment have focused on issues of biologic development and readiness. In this article we examine psychologic issues that should be considered in the decision to initiate orthodontics in the younger child or to wait until adolescence or later. Psychologic development during the preadolescent and adolescent stages may influence the child's motive for, understanding of, and adherence to treatment regimens. Results of a study of some personality characteristics, motives, and aesthetic values of young phase I patients are presented. Questionnaires were completed by 75 children (mean age 10.85 years, 52.1% female, 84% white) and their parents. Children's perceived reasons for treatment were consistent with their parents' reports (chi 2 = 76.08, p < .001); most were referred for crowded teeth (56%) and overbite (17.3%). Although body image and self-concept scores were within the normal range, both children and their parents expected the most improvement in self-image and oral function, with greater expectations by parents on self-image (p < .0001), oral function (p < .0001), and social life (p < .03) than children themselves. Although white and minority children were similar in their self-ratings and expectations from orthodontics, the former were more critical in their aesthetic judgments. They rated faces with crowded teeth (p < .02), overbite (p < .02), and diastema (p < .01) more negatively than did ethnic minorities. These results suggest that younger children are good candidates for Phase I orthodontics, have high self-esteem and body-image, and expect orthodontics to improve their lives. White children who have been referred for Phase I orthodontics appear to have a narrower range of aesthetic acceptability than minority children.

Pilot study comparing parents' and third-grade schoolchildren's attitudes toward braces and perceived need for braces

An instrument developed for third-grade schoolchildren and their parents was pilot-tested for its ability to measure orthodontic attitudes and perception of the child's need for braces. Seventy-eight children and 54 parents were surveyed. Forty-six percent of the children wanted braces while 61% believed that they needed braces. Correlation between desire for braces and perceived need was 0.47, suggesting that desire and perceived need were only moderately correlated in children. Sixty-three percent of the parents believed that their child needed braces. Despite such proportions of children and parents perceiving a need for treatment, three-fourths of the children and two-thirds of the parents were satisfied with the appearance of the child's teeth. Attitude subscales, derived from the attitude survey, and clinical orthodontic parameters were used to model children's and parents' perceived need for braces in the child. No clinical parameter was a significant correlate in either children's or parents' model of perceived need. Neither race nor gender contributed significantly to either model. The subscales Concern for Appearance and Social Aspects of Braces were the strongest covariates of children's perceived need for braces. Concern for Appearance was the most important correlate in the parents' model. These data suggest that parents' perceived need for orthodontic treatment for their third-grade children is determined primarily by a concern for appearance rather than clinical status. In third-graders, perceived aesthetics and social aspects apparently have more influence than clinical status in creating a perception of need for braces.