A Cross-sectional Assessment of Knowledge, Social Perceptions and Willingness to Undergo Orthodontic Treatment amongst Adults in Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Our clinical observation at the Orthodontic clinic showed that adult demand for orthodontic treatment has not grown significantly over the years. Methods: One hundred and ninety seven adults were evaluated in this cross-sectional questionnaire based study. Results: There was a significant female preponderance (75.6%). The mean age of the subjects of the study was 23.86 yx:a rs. About one-half 49.2%) of the subjects indicated knowledge of orthodontic treatment, with the majority defining it as correction of irregularly arranged teeth and 13.4% defining it/s the correction a/ gem problems. A greater percentage of respondents (88.3%) had never had orthodontic treatment in the past. Of the 23 respondents who reported having had orthodontic treatment in the past, the mean age of treatment was 19.35 years, SD of 4.88. Most of the respondents (77.2%) indicated that they did not believe that they required orthodontic treatment. Amongst the 22.8% that believed they needed orthodontic treatment, the majority were females. The major reasons for orthodontic treatment in these cases were improvement of their smiles, and of badly arrfinged irregular teeth. Others included the correction of pushed out teeth and speech impediments. A lack of orthodontic awareness was expressed by 30.5% of the respondents, while the factor of cost implication accounted for 17.8, of the reasons for not going for treatment hitherto. C'onclacion: About one-hal forth is study population had knowledge of orthodontics and majority oft. respondents reported that they did not require orthodontic treatment.