Patient satisfaction with orthodontic treatment and its impact on daily routines with regard to age, gender and social status: a contemporary survey

Introduction
The majority of contemporary studies suggest that there is almost unanimous satisfaction with and acceptance of orthodontic treatment among patients. In some studies pain is suggested as a predominant feature that influences patient’s perception of the treatment as a whole.

Aim of the research: To find predictors of pain and impairment of daily routines in patients currently undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Material and methods
The study was based on a self-created anonymous questionnaire with both close-ended and open questions. Patients from one dental practice were asked to fill out anonymous questionnaire on satisfaction with orthodontic treatment and its impact on their daily routines.

Results
There were altogether 148 questionnaires filled out by 108 (73%) women and 40 (27%) men. Mean age of patients was 25.8 ±6.4 (min.–max.: 18–44) years. The mean length of orthodontic treatment was 12.2 ±8.4 months (min.–max.: 1–36). Majority of patients (98%) were satisfied with their orthodontic treatment (grades 4 and 5). Pain was present mostly during application of braces (81%) and in half of patients during control visits (48%) and was never reported as a continuous feature. Younger patients (< 25 years of age) tended to feel pain more often when applying braces. Patients with longer treatment time (at least 12 months after applying braces) tended to report significantly (p < 0.05) less inconveniences caused by braces during eating than those with shorter treatment.

Conclusions
Majority of patients were satisfied with treatment. Orthodontists should pay attention to pain management during application of braces in younger patients and provide patients with adequate information on possible impairment of daily routines during the treatment.