Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ORTHODONTICS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Salivary nickel and chromium in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

The purpose of this study was to determine the alterations in the chromium and nickel concentrations in the saliva of orthodontic patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Forty-five orthodontic patients were included in this study. The first group consisted of 15 patients (7 female, 8 male) with fixed appliances placed in their upper and lower arches. The second group consisted of 15 patients (8 female, 7 male) with a fixed appliance placed only in the upper arch. The control group consisted of 15 patients (7 female, 8 male) who were not undergoing orthodontic treatment. Four samples of stimulated saliva were collected from each patient before insertion of the fixed appliance, 1 week after insertion of the appliance, 1 month after insertion of the appliance, and 2 months after insertion of the appliance. The same 4 samples of saliva were collected from each control patient at the same time intervals as for the fixed-appliance groups. The chemical analyses were done with an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer 2380, Perkin Elmer Corp, Baden Seewerk, Germany). The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks test was used to test differences between samples before and after insertion of orthodontic appliances. A Kruskal Wallis 1-way analysis of variance was used to test differences in nickel and chromium concentration among the 3 test groups. It was observed that there was a large variation in the concentrations of both nickel and chromium in saliva. No significant differences were found between the no-appliance group and the samples obtained after insertion of the appliances. The results of the study suggest that fixed orthodontic appliances do not significantly affect nickel and chromium concentrations of saliva during the first 2 months of treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The role of opioid systems on orthodontic tooth movement in cholestatic rats.

Endogenous opioids have been reported to accumulate in the plasma of cholestatic subjects. Another report showed that human osteoblast-like cells, MG-63, express 3 types of opioid receptors. In our laboratory we noticed that orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is enhanced in cholestatic rats. Therefore, we suggest a possible role of opioid systems in bone remodeling and raising the rate of OTM in cholestatic conditions. To investigate this hypothesis, rat models were established and divided into 5 study groups. An orthodontic appliance, consisting of a 5 mm nickel-titanium closed coil spring, was ligated between the maxillary right incisor and first molar of each rat to deliver an initial force of 60 g. The bile duct ligated (BDL) group underwent a bile duct ligation operation and received orthodontic appliance 7 days after surgery. Another group underwent a sham operation and orthodontic appliances were inserted just as in the BDL group protocol. Surgery was performed the BDL + naltrexone group and orthodontic appliances were inserted 7 days after surgery. This group received daily subcutaneous injections of naltrexone HCI (an opioid antagonist) at 20 mg/kg at 24-hour intervals from the day of force application until the end of the study period. Another group, the naltrexone group, received naltrexone injections like the BDL + naltrexone group. A fifth control group neither underwent surgery nor received injections. Orthodontic tooth movement was measured 14 days after appliance insertion. The bile duct ligated group showed significantly increased OTM compared to all other study groups (P < .001). The difference between the OTM in the BDL + naltrexone and control groups was insignificant. This study suggests a role for opioid systems in OTM in cholestasis conditions.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

Effect of using self-etching primer for bonding orthodontic brackets.

Questions over the use of self-etching primers with composite resin adhesives in the bonding of orthodontic brackets remain unsolved. In addition, there are no previous reports on the efficacy of self-etching primers with resin-modified glass ionomer cements for bonding orthodontic brackets in orthodontic dentistry. The purpose of this study was to determine the shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets bonded with one of four protocols: (1) a composite resin adhesive used with 40% phosphoric acid, (2) the same composite resin used with Megabond self-etching primer, (3) a resin-modified glass ionomer cement adhesive used with 10% polyacrylic acid enamel conditioner, and (4) the same resin-modified glass ionomer cement used with Megabond self-etching primer. The appearance of the tooth surfaces after acid etching or priming was observed with a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). When used with resin-modified glass ionomer cement, Megabond self-etching primer gave no significantly different shear bond strength compared with polyacrylic acid etching. But when used with composite resin adhesive, Megabond self-etching primer gave significantly lower shear bond strength than phosphoric acid etching. However, the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded with composite resin adhesive after Megabond priming was almost the same as that of brackets bonded with resin-modified glass ionomer cement after polyacrylic acid etching. FE-SEM observation revealed that Megabond self-etching primer produced less dissolution of enamel surface than did phosphoric acid and polyacrylic acid etching. Megabond self-etching primer may be a candidate for bonding orthodontic brackets using the resin-modified glass ionomer cement for minimizing the amount of enamel loss.

Acid Etching, Dental↗
PubMed2005

An evaluation of the use of digital study models in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the diagnostic and treatment planning value of digital models when compared with plaster study casts. In addition, the level of orthodontic experience of the examiner was assessed to determine whether this would have an influence on the decision-making process. Thirty randomly selected orthodontic patients from the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Alabama were selected for the study. From the 30 record sets, seven were selected attempting to mirror cases required for presentation to the American Board of Orthodontics. The seven evaluators were divided into two groups on the basis of their level of orthodontic experience. Initially, each evaluator assessed each patient record. Each evaluator was given a standardized questionnaire which recorded the evaluator's diagnosis based on use of the digital study models (T1). Regardless of whether the evaluator requested a review of the plaster study casts, the evaluator was given the plaster study casts. The evaluator then, using the plaster casts, filled out another identical questionnaire (T2). A chi-square test was used to determine any group differences in the frequency of changed diagnostic characteristics, treatment mechanical procedures, or proposed treatment plans after evaluating plaster study models. The statistical significance selected was P = .05 level of significance. The results showed that 12.8% of diagnostic characteristics, 12% of treatment mechanic procedures, and 6% of proposed treatment plans changed after T2. The results of the present study indicate that in the vast majority of situations digital models can be successfully used for orthodontic records.

Calcium Sulfate↗
PubMed2006

Dental esthetic self-perception in young adults with and without previous orthodontic treatment.

The aim of this study was to determine which dental esthetic self-perception evaluation tool discriminated better between orthodontically treated or untreated Peruvian young adults. A total of 630 students were randomly chosen from the 2000 admitted in 2002 to a private university in Peru. Students undergoing active orthodontic treatment at the time of examination were excluded. Self-perceived dental esthetic appearance was evaluated through Standardized Continuum of Aesthetic Need, Oral Aesthetic Subjective Index Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A stepwise multivariate discriminant analysis was developed to classify orthodontic treatment according to the three evaluation tools. A total of 199 students (31.6%) reported a history of orthodontic treatment. Differences between orthodontically treated and untreated groups were found only for the mean VAS score (P < .001). Although three different approaches were used to evaluate dental esthetic self-perception, only VAS allowed the discrimination of the self-perceived dental appearance between orthodontically treated and untreated Peruvian university young adults. Similarities in the self-perceived dental appearance of treated and untreated groups reported in previous epidemiological studies could be explained because different evaluation instruments were used. Further studies are required to support current findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

An evaluation of preoperative ibuprofen for treatment of pain associated with orthodontic separator placement.

Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment can experience significant levels of pain. This study assessed the effectiveness of preoperative ibuprofen in reducing the incidence and the severity of pain after orthodontic separator placement. Sixty-three adolescent patients (mean age, 13 years) were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental conditions: (1) 400 mg of ibuprofen taken orally 1 hour before separator placement and a lactose placebo taken orally immediately after the appointment, (2) a lactose placebo taken orally 1 hour before separator placement and 400 mg of ibuprofen taken orally immediately after the appointment, or (3) a lactose placebo taken orally 1 hour before separator placement and again immediately after the appointment. The patient's level of discomfort was assessed with a visual analog scale at 2, 6, and 24 hours, as well as at 2, 3, and 7 days after placement of the orthodontic separators. An analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test revealed that 2 hours after their orthodontic appointment the patients who had taken ibuprofen 1 hour before separator placement had significantly less pain with chewing than did the patients who received either ibuprofen postoperatively or a placebo. Additional measures suggest a trend for less pain for this group of patients. These results support the use of pretreatment ibuprofen for patients requiring analgesics for orthodontic discomfort. Future study of the use of preemptive analgesics in orthodontics is warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Concern for dental appearance among young adults in a region with non-specialist orthodontic treatment.

With limited orthodontic manpower in an area, treatment resources may be allocated to deal with a restricted number of patients, e.g. those with the most severe malocclusions, or to treat a greater number of patients by letting the specialist supervised treatment delivered by non-specialists. The purpose of the present study was to examine orthodontic concern among young adults in a region where orthodontic treatment was mainly delivered by non-specialists. The material comprised 100 individuals born in 1971 and 1972 (mean age 18.0 years) who were consecutively examined and interviewed during their annual routine dental visits. Forty subjects (19 females, 21 males) had previous orthodontic treatment. In all but four individuals treatment was delivered by general dental practitioners. Impressions for dental study casts and standardized photographs (Polaroids) were taken. The individual's occlusion was classified according to two methods: the Need for Orthodontic Treatment Index (NOTI) and Anterior Occlusal Traits (AOT). Interviews concerning the subjects' perception of their occlusion were performed with the use of questionnaires. From the answers a composite measure representing orthodontic concern was constructed. Awareness of their own dental arrangement was assessed by comparing the respondents' reports with occlusal recordings from the study casts, and by a photo-identification test. Frequencies of NOTI and AOT scores demonstrated that more than 50 per cent of the treated individuals were still assessed to be in need of treatment and exhibited deviations in the anterior region. Furthermore, 30 per cent of the treated subjects expressed concern about their occlusal appearance, and dissatisfaction was generally based on a realistic perception of their own dental appearance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Mandibular function before and after orthodontic treatment.

To determine the influence of orthodontic treatment on mandibular function, a longitudinal study was initiated on 245 consecutive prospective orthodontic patients before and after the orthodontic treatment. Of the 245 referred patients, eight declined treatment and 27 moved to other parts of the country before the treatment was completed. Thus, the longitudinal study was based on 210 patients. The functional examination was made according to Carlsson and Helkimo (1972) and Helkimo (1974), and by the same person (MO). Before the orthodontic treatment, symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) were found in 16.7 per cent of the patients and in 6.7 per cent after treatment. The number of subjects without signs or symptoms of TMD increased from 26.7 per cent before treatment to 46.2 per cent after. According to the dysfunction index (Helkimo, 1974), 31.4 per cent of the patients had a moderate and 13.8 per cent a severe mandibular dysfunction before the start of orthodontic treatment. After the treatment, the corresponding figures were 14.3 and 5.7 per cent, respectively. The material was divided into groups, consisting of boys and girls younger than 13 years, and 13 years and older at the start of treatment. Before treatment there was a higher prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD in the older age group than in the younger, and higher in girls than in boys. After the orthodontic treatment, the prevalence was still higher in girls than in boys in both age groups, but not higher in the older age group than in the younger group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Orthodontic care from the patients' perspective: perceptions of 27-year-olds.

The aim was to analyse 27-year-olds' perceptions of their own dental arrangement and any orthodontic care they may have received as a child or adolescent. All of the individuals in a sample of young adults in Kronoberg County, Sweden, who had received orthodontic care during childhood or adolescence (n = 121) were selected to participate in the study. In addition, 76 orthodontically untreated individuals were randomly selected from the same sample. All participants, both those who had previously had orthodontic treatment and those who had not, were sent a questionnaire. Most of the respondents were satisfied with their earlier decision, whether to choose orthodontic treatment or not. Dental professionals were considered to have had the greatest influence on this decision. This means that the desire for treatment may be guided by the orthodontist. Three out of four individuals considered orthodontic treatment important, even when irregularities of the teeth were minor. A majority of the individuals thought that they would have been able to wear visible braces if needed, even in adulthood. Individuals treated by specialists were more contented than individuals treated by general practitioners. Individuals with malocclusions and treatment need, but who had refused offered treatment, were in general more discontented with their dental arrangement; more than half of them now regretted their decision. They also felt it more difficult to communicate questions, thoughts, and opinions on their own desire for treatment. An increased level of information, especially to these individuals, would have been desirable.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Sensory and motor changes of the human jaw muscles during induced orthodontic pain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of orthodontic pain on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles, and on their electromyographic (EMG) activity during clenching and chewing. Orthodontic pain was induced in 14 healthy subjects (mean age 26.6, SEM 1.1) by placing orthodontic separators. The subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental and to a control session in a double-blind crossover study. PPT was significantly reduced (Student's t-test; P < 0.001) after experimental sessions for both the masseter and the anterior temporalis muscles, whereas no significant differences were found during control sessions (P > 0.05). EMG activity during clenching and chewing was significantly reduced (0.001 < or = P < 0.05) after experimental sessions for both masseter and anterior temporalis muscles, whereas no significant differences were found during control sessions (P > 0.05). The decrease of PPT found in this study can be related to the occurrence of muscle pain and headache reported by patients during orthodontic or other dental treatment. The decrease of EMG activity of the jaw muscles associated with orthodontic pain is consistent with the pain adaptation model and should be considered as a potential factor for loss of occlusal anchorage during orthodontic treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Enamel colour changes following whitening with 10 per cent carbamide peroxide: a comparison of orthodontically-bonded/debonded and untreated teeth.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a colour difference exists between teeth that had orthodontic appliances bonded to and debonded from them and untreated controls subjected to whitening with 10 per cent carbamide peroxide. The sample consisted of 20 pairs of first and second premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons. The contralateral surfaces were divided into an experimental and control group. The experimental group underwent orthodontic bonding/debonding procedures. Both groups were subjected to 4 hour whitening and 20 hour hydration sessions for 30 days. The L*a*b* colour system was chosen to evaluate any colour change and these changes were calculated by determining the delta E from the L*a*b* values using a colorimeter. Colour change readings were taken before and after each 4 hour whitening. Additional readings were taken at 48 hour intervals for 30 days following the cessation of active whitening. The results were analysed using statistical (ANOVA) and graphical analyses (alpha = 0.05). A colour change difference of 2 CIELAB units was set as being clinically significant. A mean clinical colour difference was found for enamel surfaces subjected to orthodontic bonding/debonding of attachments relative to control sites after whitening. Bonding and debonding procedures resulted in a significant colour difference between orthodontic bonded and control sites at the end of the active period, which became insignificant at the end of the 30 day period of monitoring. Both the control and debonded sites responded to whitening; however, the control sites responded initially to a greater extent; the orthodontic debonded sites did not respond until after 2 weeks of continuous whitening. After the 2 week period the improved response of the debonded sites decreased the colour difference between the two groups.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Differentiation of developmental and post-orthodontic white lesions using image analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in shape and size characteristics between developmental opacities and post-orthodontic white enamel lesions using computerized image analysis. Material, in the form of 35 mm slides, was obtained from the archive of photographic patient records in the orthodontic clinic at the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital. Images of 30 teeth with developmental white lesions and 30 teeth with post-orthodontic white lesions were selected using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The slides were converted to a digital format, coded, placed in a random order and analysed blindly using a computerized image analysis system by one clinician. After a 2 week interval, the images were recorded, placed in a new random order and the measurements repeated. The outcome measures were: area and luminance proportionality, and the shape of the perimeter line (expressed as the mathematical factor, roundness). Reproducibility was assessed by a paired samples t-test for systematic error and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for random error. Differences between groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney U-test for non-parametric data. Reproducibility was substantial for all measurements except for developmental white lesion roundness, which was moderate. There was a statistically significant difference between developmental white opacities and post-orthodontic white lesions for measurements of luminance intensity, proportionality (P = 0.002) and roundness (P = 0.001). Developmental white opacities had a higher luminance (i.e. were whiter) and the boundaries were more circular in shape than the post-orthodontic lesions. Roundness is a useful measure when distinguishing developmental and post-orthodontic demineralization.

Dental Enamel↗
PubMed1999

The effectiveness and efficiency of hygienists in carrying out orthodontic auxiliary procedures.

The aim of this study was to compare the ability and efficiency of dental hygienists, after preliminary training as orthodontic auxiliaries, with post-graduate orthodontists. The study was cross-sectional and prospective. The sample consisted of five second-year hygienists and five qualified orthodontists from Manchester University Dental Hospital. All subjects carried out a range of orthodontic exercises on phantom head typodonts. The ability and efficiency for each task was measured, and comparison made between hygienists and orthodontic groups. There was no statistically significant differences between hygienists and orthodontists in terms of their ability to carry out potential orthodontic auxiliary procedures. However, orthodontists were more efficient (P < 0.05). The ability of hygienists to carry out potential orthodontic auxiliary tasks after appropriate training is supported. Trained orthodontists are more efficient than newly trained hygienists in carrying out potential orthodontic auxiliary tasks.

Dental Hygienists↗
PubMed2000

A survey of postgraduate (specialist) orthodontic education in 23 European countries.

This paper reports on a survey of the duration, funding, and assessment of postgraduate specialist orthodontic training, the requirement for postgraduate training prior to entering specialist orthodontic training and registration of specialist orthodontists in Europe. A questionnaire and explanatory letter were mailed to all members of the EURO-QUAL BIOMED II project. Answers were validated during a meeting of project participants and by fax, when necessary. Completed questionnaires which were subsequently validated, were returned by orthodontists from 23 countries. The results indicated that a period of postgraduate training, prior to entering specialist orthodontic training was required in 12 of the responding countries. Specialist orthodontic training was reported as lasting 2 years in three countries, 3 years in 17, and for 4 years in three. Part-time training was reported as a possibility in four countries. In 21 of the 23 countries specialist training was reported to take place in full or part within universities, with some training taking place in government clinics in four countries. In five countries some or all training was reported to take place in specialist practices. Training was said to be funded solely or partially by governments in 15 of the 23 countries, to be solely self-funded in five countries, and partly or solely funded by universities in six countries. A final examination at the end of specialist training was reported to be held in 21 of the 23 countries. The nature of this examination varied widely and there was no such examination in two countries. Twelve of the 23 countries reported that they had a specialist register for orthodontics; 11 that they had no register. In none of the countries surveyed was there a requirement for those on a register to undergo periodic reassessment of competence once they are on the register. It was concluded that there was wide diversity in all aspects of specialist orthodontic training and registration within the countries surveyed.

Credentialing↗
PubMed2001

An update on orthodontic manpower in ireland.

There has been considerable debate in Europe over the past few years on manpower requirements in orthodontics. In some countries today the need for orthodontic care cannot be accommodated due to lack of professional manpower whereas in others a surplus of orthodontic treatment facilities exists. The aim of the present study was to establish a baseline for orthodontic demographics in the Republic of Ireland. The number of orthodontists currently practising in Ireland was identified together with the number of Irish graduates currently on training programmes. Population figures were obtained from the Central Statistics Office. The orthodontic manpower situation has altered dramatically in the Republic of Ireland over the past 20 years. The number of 12-year-olds per orthodontist has reduced over the past 18 years from 2773 in 1980 to 890 in 1998. The age profile of the orthodontists presently practising in Ireland is low with an expected retirement over the next 20 years of only 28 of the 69 orthodontists identified. This study provides baseline information on orthodontic manpower in Ireland, and will facilitate Ireland's participation in similar or comparative studies in the future.

Birth Rate↗
PubMed1997

Pathways to orthodontic care.

BACKGROUND: The research described in this paper arose out of the need to address the growing waiting list for orthodontic treatment in Northamptonshire. Although the prevalence of dento-facial anomalies is the same across time, sex, race and socio-economic class, studies in the United States and this country suggest that certain groups are over-represented among patients who receive orthodontic treatment. The introduction of valid and reliable indices of therapeutic need such as the index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) will allow improved focusing of services. The aim of the study was to determine the variables affecting access to orthodontic care, and the extent to which services were delivered according to objective measures of need. METHODS: Analyses were undertaken for speed, appropriateness, timing of referral, duration and complexity of the pathway for new referrals to specialist orthodontic care. possible explanations for the length of pathway were examined, including socio-demographic factors, location of residence and the IOTN. RESULTS: A total of 405 patients were approached, of whom 400 (99 per cent) agreed to participate. There was an over-representation among socio-economic groups I and V among patients referred to orthodontic treatment. By contrast, those of male sex and from socio-economic class IV were under-represented. This appeared to be the case irrespective of treatment setting. There was also a wide range of waiting times to treatment and complexity of pathway. Over a quarter of the sample had been inappropriately referred, and objective need as measured by the IOTN was not a determinant in the speed of access to specialist treatment. Adult patients waited longer for treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the delivery of care is neither based on objective need nor equitably distributed. More appropriate directing of resources is required, using the IOTN and agreed protocols, so that referrals are made to the most suitable provider.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Longitudinal monitoring of subgingival colonization by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and crevicular alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities around orthodontically treated teeth.

OBJECTIVES: During orthodontic treatment, changes in subgingival plaque colonization and tissue inflammation and remodelling have been described. This study uses a longitudinal design to examine subgingival colonization of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in order to assess whether these parameters have potential as biomarkers of tissue responses to orthodontic tooth movement in humans. MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty-one patients (ages: 11.2-22.5; mean 17.1 +/- 3.3 years) participated in the study. An upper canine from each patient undergoing treatment for distal movement served as the test tooth (DC), and its contralateral (CC) and antagonist (AC) canines were used as controls. The CC was included in the orthodontic appliance, but was not subjected to the orthodontic force; the AC was free from any orthodontic appliance. The subgingival plaque and GCF around the experimental teeth was harvested from both mesial and distal tooth sites immediately before appliance activation and on day 28. Clinical gingival condition was evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the experimental period. Aa colonization was determined by culture methods, while ALP and AST activities were evaluated spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Throughout the study, the clinical conditions worsened in both the DCs and the CCs as compared with the baseline, whereas no significant differences were found between the DCs and the CCs, or between mesial and distal sites of each of these teeth on day 28. In the ACs, clinical parameters remained at baseline levels throughout the study. Similar results were found for Aa colonization, which increased significantly on day 28 in the DC and CC groups. On day 28, ALP and AST activities were significantly elevated in all sites from the DC and CC groups as compared with the ACs, where, conversely, enzymatic activities remained at the baseline levels. However, ALP activity in the DC group was significantly greater than in the CCs at mesial (tension) sites on day 28, while AST activity in the DCs was significantly elevated as compared with the CC group at the distal (compression) sites. Greater ALP activity in the DC group was observed at the tension sites compared with the compression sites on day 28. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Aa subgingival colonization, and ALP and AST activities in GCF reflect the tissue responses that occur in the periodontium during orthodontic treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Adolescents' perception of the quality of orthodontic treatment.

The aim was to describe quality of care from a patient perspective among adolescents receiving orthodontic treatment and to assess the relationship between quality of care and outcome-related aspects. The research design was cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 151 young people (mean age 17.1 years, SD: 2.2; 53% girls and 47% boys) receiving orthodontic treatment in the Stockholm region in Sweden (response rate 75%). Data were collected using the Quality from the Patient's Perspective questionnaire. The highest quality of care perceptions were noted on items dealing with receiving the best possible orthodontic treatment and being treated with respect. Less favourable perceptions of the quality of care were found regarding the opportunity to participate in the decisions related to the orthodontic treatment. In order to improve the quality of care a more active involvement of these patients in the decision-making process is suggested. The item 'I received the best possible orthodontic treatment' noted the highest subjective importance rating. The youngest participants reported the most favourable scores and the oldest the least. The majority (74%) reported that they were 'completely satisfied' with the result of the orthodontic treatment. However, 52% claimed that they had not followed all of the advice obtained during the treatment period, and 29% indicated some or more hesitation about attending the same dentist for future treatment.

Adolescent↗