Perception and attitude of patient towards orthodontic treatment

Even though enhancing appearance and improving psychosocial status have been put forth as important motivating factors behind the decision to initiate orthodontic treatment, the exact reasons for initiating orthodontic treatment may vary across cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Hence the current study was undertaken to determine the motiving factors for patients who seek orthodontic treatment. In order to determine the motivating factors for seeking orthodontic treatment, a questionnaire based survey a was conducted on the patient reported for orthodontic treatment to the Department of Orthodontics, S D M Dental College and Hospital Dharwad. After evaluation of response of 100 participants it was seen that, enhancement of dento-facial appearance and improvement in self-confidence was cited as the most important motivating in 75% of the patients. While 15% of patients approached treatment for health reasons, only 10% sought orthodontic treatment for functional reasons. Long duration and fear of pain of the treatment was the reason for not seeking orthodontic treatment. As patient cooperation is one of the main factors which determine the outcome of orthodontic treatment it becomes important to consider these motivational factors before initiating orthodontic treatment.