Factors associated with subjective need for orthodontic treatment among Finnish university applicants

Abstract

Subjective orthodontic treatment need and associated factors were studied in a sample of 226 young Finnish adults. The subjects, applicants to enter the University of Helsinki, were interviewed immediately after their entrance examination. A need for treatment was felt by 14% of the subjects. For 47% of those expressing such a need their reason was appearance only, and for 25% it was both appearance and their ability to chew. Among subjects who reported a visible dental irregularity, 38% were dissatisfied with their dental appearance, and 25% felt the need for orthodontic treatment. Women were more often dissatisfied with their dentition than men. Subjective need for treatment was significantly associated with perceived visible dental irregularity and infrequent socializing but not with orthodontic treatment in childhood, pattern of dental attendance, or district of residence. Of various perceptions of anterior teeth, irregularly and wrongly positioned teeth were most often connected with treatment need.

Acceptability of Dental Appearance in a Group of Finnish 16- to 25-Year-Olds

“…In contrast, one-third of eighth graders were found to consider themselves in need of treatment, 20 while 20% of orthodontically treated and 11% of untreated university applicants indicated a subjective treatment need. 23 Nevertheless, our results corroborate the previous findings suggesting that those who perceive a treatment need are more often dissatisfied with their dental appearance than those who do not. 23,24 Although the range for acceptable esthetics (ie, AC grades 1 and 2) might be considered narrow, it is in line with other recent findings.…”

“…23 Nevertheless, our results corroborate the previous findings suggesting that those who perceive a treatment need are more often dissatisfied with their dental appearance than those who do not. 23,24 Although the range for acceptable esthetics (ie, AC grades 1 and 2) might be considered narrow, it is in line with other recent findings. Grzywacz 24 suggested that the ''no treatment need'' category of the AC should include only the AC grades 1 and 2 instead of the originally selected grades 1 to 4, while the AC grades 3 and 4 would represent slight treatment need.…”

Quality of Life in orthognathic surgery patients: Post-surgical improvements in aesthetics and self-confidence

“…The aesthetic results became more of a focus of the patients than the functional outcomes. These findings are in accordance with findings of other study groups reporting that the more technical aspects of malocclusion, such as dissatisfaction with the ability to chew, were less often a reason for seeking treatment, because problems with chewing may be less common among young adults than problems with facial appearance (Tuominen and Tuominen, 1994). It has been estimated that 80% of orthodontic patients seek professional services more out of a concern for aesthetics, rather than health or function (Albino et al, 1981).…”

Oral health–related quality of life changes in standard, cleft, and surgery patients after orthodontic treatment

“…2 Most orthodontic patients seek treatment for purely esthetic reasons that often have an underlying psychological component. 3 The importance of these psychological factors in influencing treatment need and outcome has resulted in a paradigm shift toward self-report assessment tools and patient-centered care. 4 Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) instruments are particularly useful in orthodontic populations because of their ability to tap into a wide range of domains including the functional, psychological, and social aspects.…”