[What are the factors influencing the aesthetic requirement in the choice of orthodontic appliances in adults?]

Abstract

Although adult patients are said to be demanding in terms of discretion of the orthodontic appliance, the factors influencing the choice of the appliance are still poorly understood. The main objective of this study was to determine if there is a correlation, in adults, between the importance of the orthodontic treatment need and the aesthetic preference of the orthodontic appliance (metal braces, ceramic braces in buccal, lingual or aligner). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact of the patient's personal factors, his eventual orthodontic past and his perceived orthodontic need. Patients were interviewed by questionnaire before the first consultation. An index, depending of the discretion of the appliance, was used. The need for treatment was calculated via dental health component and aesthetic component of IOTN. Given the size of the sample, only trends can be emitted. The real need for treatment had no influence on the choice of the aesthetic appliance. The most demanding patients would be women, in their thirties, single, employed, executive or practicing a higher profession, with previous orthodontic treatment and having recently consulted an orthodontist, as an adult. These patients felt that their orthodontic treatment need was minimal or significant. Patients estimated the duration of treatment at 17 months. Lingual was considered the most aesthetic appliance far ahead of the aligners. A larger scale study is needed to determine the influence of each factor.