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ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PERCEPTION OF PATIENTS ABOUT MALOCCLUSION AND TREATMENT

Dr Hira Ali, Dr Shizah Shoaib, Dr Aamna Shabbir

Introduction: The increase in average life expectancy and national income has led to an increase in the number of middle-aged or old adult patients receiving orthodontic treatment. Traditionally, the “so-called” adult orthodontic treatment has implied the treatment of adult patients in their 20s and early 30s, rather than adolescents. Objectives of study: The main objective of the study is to analyze the demographic profile of perception of patients about malocclusion and treatment. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Demontmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore during 2018. The data was collected through a questionnaire. The participants of this questionnaire-based study were 598 adults aged over 20 years (230 men and 368 women) who visited the Dental Hospital. The participants' opinions regarding their consideration of receiving orthodontic treatment were recorded using a specially designed questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by 653 participants, of whom 598 were selected after screening the responses for inaccuracies. Results: In the total sampled population adjusted according to age, women (52.2%) had a higher rate of interest than did men (42.6%; p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the sexes in any of the age groups. The order of priority of chief complaints showed definite differences according to age. Protrusion was the first chief complaint for those in their 20s and 30s, and spacing was the one for those in their 40s to 60s. Conclusion: It is concluded that patients place a lot of emphasis over their facial appearance and beauty. Not surprisingly, parents primarily the mothers, were responsible for seeking treatment for young and adolescent children.

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