The Gap of Awareness in Orthodontic Treatment

Abstract

The individual's awareness of malocclusion, like the necessity for orthodontic treatment, seems to be different at different ages, as observed in orthodontic referrals. The information originating by orthodontist and proposed to the patient may be filled in writing and in oral form. The contemporary world requires that it can appear on-line, too. The aim of the study is to define the gap of children and parents awareness and motivation for orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: We have randomly selected parents (n = 214) and their children (n = 258) from Plovdiv at 2012. The inquiry contains questions designed to provide socio-demographic characteristics, the role of orthodontist and both importance of social media for the awareness in orthodontics. Results: Gender is not a factor for the parents awareness on the qualifications and skills of orthodontists (P > 0.05; χ 2 = 4.71, df = 3) but statistics shows significant difference in the group of orthodontist regarding the necessary motivation of patients (P < 0.05; χ 2 = 12.85). The benefits are complex and diverse, according to the perceptions of parents (P < 0.05; χ 2 = 29.60, df = 1). Mothers have a greater awareness than fathers (P = 0.027; χ 2 = 14.23, df = 6), but fathers take significant involvement in the payment of orthodontic services. Conclusions: Patient consent may be helpful to anticipate the problems that might arise during treatment. The cooperation of the patient is the only significant factor that orthodontists comply. The benefits of orthodontic treatment are complex and diverse, according to the perceptions of parents.