Expressed need for treatment among orthodontic patients in Government Dental College, Bangalore

Introduction : A variety of social, cultural, psychological and personal factors influences the self-perception of dental appearance and the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. Adolescents who seek orthodontic treatment are concerned with improving their appearance and social acceptance. Aim of this study was to assess expressed needs and barriers associated withorthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: The study included 396 new patients aged 12-25 years visiting Govt. Dental college and Research Institute, Bangalore during March 2011 to June 2011. Structured proforma was used for demographic data and factors associated with orthodontic treatment seeking and participants were examined clinically with Dental Aesthetic Index for assessment ofmalocclusion. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 14. Results : In this study 158 males and 238 females participated. The desire to have a better dental appearance was the main reason given by subjects (42.9%) for seeking orthodontic treatment. Selfconfidence (46%) was the area of improvement expected by most of the subjects after orthodontic treatment. Financial constraint was the main barrier for seeking treatment among 25.5% subjects. Conclusions: Patients seek orthodontic treatment mainly to improve dental appearance andaesthetics. Perceived needs of an orthodontic patient should also be taken into consideration before commencing orthodontic treatment to increase chances of mutually satisfying results