Effect of psychological characteristics and malocclusion severity on compliance of removable orthodontic appliances by 10-12-year-old orthodontic patients: A research article

Abstract

Background : Treatment compliance plays fundamental roles in achieving the best results in orthodontic treatment. Some psychological characteristics such as general self-efficacy (GSE) are correlated with the level of tolerance of individuals. This study aimed to assess the correlation of psychological characteristics such as GSE and level of malocclusion with compliance of removable orthodontic appliances. Methods : The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) of 50 patients between 10-12 years who required removable orthodontic appliances was determined prior to the onset of treatment. They were also requested to fill out the GSE scale (GSES). The removable orthodontic appliance compliance questionnaire was also filled out by patients at 1 (T1), 3 (T2), and 6 (T3) months after the delivery of the removable orthodontic appliance. Results : The GSES score had significant correlations with the total score of the compliance questionnaire, and subscale score of satisfaction with the appliance during eating and oral hygiene practice, duration of usage of the appliance, and interest in using it (P<0.05). The IOTN had no significant correlation with the compliance questionnaire. Conclusions: The level of compliance of removal orthodontic appliances by patients can be predicted using the GSES. The IOTN is not efficient for prediction of the compliance level of removal orthodontic appliances by patients.