Adult patients' view of orthodontic treatment outcome compared to professional assessments

Abstract

One important aspect in evaluating the outcome and quality of orthodontic treatment is the patient's own assessment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the course and outcome of orthodontic treatment in adults from the patient's vs the operator's point of view. In a previous study, the orthodontic treatment of 88 adults was evaluated using the IOTN and PAR Index before and after treatment. Fifty-nine patients answered treatment questionnaires on 1. the reason for seeking treatment, 2. dentofacial aesthetics, 3. treatment outcome, 4. course of treatment, 5. attitude, 6. social well-being. Depending on the original treatment goal, the patient population was divided into an Ideal Group and a Compromise Group. In 75% of the patients, dissatisfaction with dental aesthetics was the prime motive for seeking treatment; correlations with PAR parameters (overjet and maxillary anterior teeth) were weak. In general, a high degree of patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment was registered. As regards satisfaction with post-treatment dental aesthetics there were no significant differences between the groups. Comparison of professional assessment with the subjective rating by patients revealed discrepancies in that the patients' rating of outcome tended to be more positive. The differentiation between ideal and compromise treatment goals proved useful. In the Compromise Group, a high level of patient satisfaction was attained with a shorter treatment duration and lower appliance involvement. 92% considered their major pre-treatment need to have been met, and 95% would have had the treatment performed again.

Factors Influencing Subjective Orthodontic Treatment Need and Culture‐related Differences among Chinese Natives and Foreign Inhabitants

“…In Germany, Riedmann et al found that the orthodontic treatment demand was mainly influenced by the desire for improvement in appearance rather than for an improvement in chewing function. (Riedmann et al, 1999). The same results were found in CHU's research of Chinese young adults in Hong Kong (Chu et al, 2009).…”

“…Several previous studies have also found that the commonest reason for orthodontic treatment was to improve appearance (Shaw, 1991;Tuominen et al, 1994;Riedmann et al, 1999). In Germany, Riedmann et al found that the orthodontic treatment demand was mainly influenced by the desire for improvement in appearance rather than for an improvement in chewing function.…”

Gingival Recession in Orthodontics: A Review

“…For instance, Rocha et al [10] showed that when the esthetic perception of smiles was evaluated by 160 dental students, there was a statistically significant difference between smiles with gingival recession and smiles without. This presents a problem because esthetics is a major motivational factor for patients to seek orthodontic treatment [11], [12]. For example, Reidman et al [11] showed that for 75% of patients seeking orthodontic treatment, dental esthetics was their primary motive.…”

“…This presents a problem because esthetics is a major motivational factor for patients to seek orthodontic treatment [11], [12]. For example, Reidman et al [11] showed that for 75% of patients seeking orthodontic treatment, dental esthetics was their primary motive. Therefore, if orthodontic treatment contributes to the formation of gingival recession, there are a number of significant clinical and psychological problems that may result.…”

Involving the 'consumer' in the evaluation of dental care: a philosophy in search of data

“…Different groups of individuals will provide different types of information about the same aspect of care. 5,6 It should also be noted that general dental practitioners could be considered as 'consumers' of secondary and tertiary care services. This paper will not address the involvement of this particular client group but many of the same issues apply.…”