Challenges in Orthodontic Practice - Orthodontists’ Perspective

Abstract

im: The aim of present study was to evaluate common challenges faced by orthodontists during their daily practice while treating orthodontic patients.

Materials & methods: Study was conducted by an electronic questionnaire survey. A pre‑structured questionnaire was made consisting of 21 multiple choice questions. The questionnaire included the personal information of the Orthodontists like their name, experience, and area of practice along with questions regarding challenges in orthodontic practice. Study questionnaire was sent to participants through email to 60 orthodontists.  Out of 60 participants, 55 have responded to the survey questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analyzed statistically.

Results: Most of Orthodontists (83.88%) in the study believed that patients have unrealistic expectations from orthodontic treatment and 64.81% clinician observed that patients do not accept surgical treatment option. Mostly orthodontists (87.04%) reported that patients forget or loose elastics. High percentage of orthodontist (51.85%) observed poor oral hygiene as common problem in children followed by bracket breakage but in adults’ irregular appointments was found to be common problem by 46.30% of orthodontist. Bracket breakage was more prevalent in premolar area as reported by 38.89% orthodontists followed by breakage of molar tubes by 35.19%

Conclusion; Study concluded that bracket breakage and oral hygiene were common in children. Bracket breakage was more prevalent in premolar area. According to most of orthodontists patients did not share complete medical or dental history and patients also complains for long duration and high cost of treatment.