Original Article

Year : 2021 | Volume : 6 | Issue : 1 | Page : 19 - 21

Factors contributing to not seeking orthodontic treatment in male adolescents ‐ A questionnaire study

Preethi Manoharan, Anu

Department Public Health Dentistry, Sathyabama University Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction:

Motivation is an impetus for patients to seek orthodontic treatment; it also affects adherence, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction towards orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the lack of motivation of adult male patients or the other reasons responsible for not seeking orthodontic treatment, and classify the patients according to their reasons. Prejudiced notions about treatment and various fears have created a resistance or hesitation towards orthodontic treatment in men. The aim of this study is to assess the mindset and overall attitude of male adolescent patients toward not seeking orthodontic correction for malocclusion.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire based study was conducted at the department of Orthodontics, Private Dental College, a total of 50 male subjects with malocclusions requiring orthodontic interventions were selected for the study. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire which was designed after reviewing recent articles, developments and also similar questionnaires that are based on the objectives of the study.

Results:

Sixty-nine percent of subjects were aware that they had a malocclusion whereas the remaining 31% were not aware. On asking as to why they were not correcting the malocclusion, 18% stated that it was embarrassing to wear braces, 4% stated that the treatment was too expensive, 19% stated that the treatment was that of a long duration, 7% felt they were too old for seeking orthodontic treatment, 6% had no interest to do the treatment, 9% stated it would painful, another 16% had concerns that food would get stuck to the braces, 21% were scared to undergo treatment.

Conclusion:

The unwillingness of male adolescent patients for seeking orthodontic treatment is studied and the reasons are discussed. This will help in educating them on the long term effects of malocclusion and to convince them for opting to go ahead with orthodontic treatment.

Keywords: Braces, malocclusion, orthodontic intervention

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article: Manoharan P, Anu. Factors contributing to not seeking orthodontic treatment in male adolescents - A questionnaire study. Int J Soc Rehab 2021;6:19-21.