Factor influencing orthodontic treatment uptake

Abstract

A questionnaire-type survey to determine the factors that influence the lack of orthodontic treatment uptake was conducted on a sample of untreated Singaporean male adults (N=170, age=17-22 years) with objectively assessed orthodontic treatment need of IOTN-DHC grade 4 and 5. The findings of this study suggest that self-satisfaction with dental appearance and financial cost were the two most influential patient factors for the lack of orthodontic treatment uptake in this group of young male adults. Perceived embarrassment and parental objection associated with braces were found to be more common among non-Chinese than Chinese repondents (P<.05). In conclusion, a high level of objective orthodontic treatment was not met with a similar demand for treatment in young Singaporean male adults. A significant difference was found in the patient factors of differen ethnic groups.