The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Adult Anterior Open Bite Study: Patient satisfaction with treatment

Abstract

Introduction: This paper evaluates patient satisfaction of adults, who received orthodontic treatment for anterior openbite malocclusion across the United States. The factors that influence the satisfaction of these patients are also described. Methods: Practitioners were recruited from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Upon joining the Network, practitioner demographics and information on their practices were acquired. Practitioners enrolled their adult patients in active treatment for anterior openbite. Patient demographics, patient dentofacial characteristics, and details regarding previous and current treatment were collected through questionnaires at enrollment (T1). Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms and intraoral frontal photographs were submitted. Treatment performed and details related to treatment outcome were recorded through questionnaires at the end of active treatment (T2). Post-treatment lateral cephalograms and intraoral frontal photographs were submitted. Patient satisfaction at the end of active treatment (T2) was assessed using a five-point, Likert-like scale and open-ended responses. Predictive univariate models were developed to evaluate the factors that influence patient satisfaction. Open-ended responses were reviewed for general trends. Results: End of active treatment (T2) data was received for 256 patients. Two hundred forty-eight of these patients completed and returned the patient satisfaction questionnaires. High levels of satisfaction were found in our sample of adult patients receiving treatment for anterior openbite malocclusion. Specifically, 96% of the sample reported being very or somewhat satisfied. Only ten patients (4%) were not satisfied with the treatment provided or an element of the final result. Successful openbite closure, treatment modality, and certain patient characteristics may influence patient satisfaction. However, there was insufficient power to demonstrate statistical significance. Open-ended responses directly associated with patient satisfaction were received from twenty-three patients (9%). They relayed positive, neutral, and negative feelings about the treatment received and final results. Additional responses regarding the orthodontic treatment in general, but not specifically linked to patient satisfaction, were received from 119 patients (48%). These comments depict an overwhelmingly positive experience. Conclusions: Adult patients who received orthodontic treatment for anterior openbite malocclusion were generally satisfied with the treatment provided, as well as the final esthetic and functional results.

Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and Anterior Open Bite in Adult Patients: A Case-Control Study

“…The need of patients to increase their oral quality of life may be related to their need for orthodontic treatment for their malocclusion. Adult orthodontic patients who have received treatment to correct anterior open bite describe satisfaction with their treatment [ 41 ]. Analysis of the influence of having an anterior open bite on OHRQoL provides further insight into the need for orthodontic treatment.…”

Relevance of practice-based research to orthodontics

“…One of the most extensive prospective clinical studies in orthodontics (the National Anterior Open Bite Study) was conducted through the network during the 2012 to 2019 funding cycle. [3][4][5][6] A total of 347 adult subjects (with a diagnosis of anterior open bite) drawn from 91 practitioners throughout the United States were enrolled in the study. The study was completed successfully and provided valuable information on different treatment strategies, biomechanical approaches, end-of-treatment outcomes, patient/practitioner satisfaction, treatment success, and long-term stability of orthodontic correction of anterior open bites.…”

“…The study was completed successfully and provided valuable information on different treatment strategies, biomechanical approaches, end-of-treatment outcomes, patient/practitioner satisfaction, treatment success, and long-term stability of orthodontic correction of anterior open bites. [3][4][5][6] The study identified practice patterns that are in vogue nationally. The study was seamlessly conducted in private offices and academic centers with minimal impact on daily practice activities.…”

Correction of anterior open bite of varying severity using clear aligner therapy—A case series

“…Finally resulting in satisfaction; as evaluated in national dental practice-based research from the United States. 2 The scope of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) has greatly increased over the past decade or so from treating merely a mild to moderate crowding to a well-controlled sophisticated therapeutic solution for complex malocclusions too. Though scholarly evidence for the system is still in infancy, 3,4 published case reports have showcased extremely encouraging outcomes with complex cases.…”

“…Finally resulting in satisfaction; as evaluated in national dental practice‐based research from the United States. 2 …”