Evaluation of different motivational factors for seeking orthodontic treatment: The patients' and parents' response

Aim: Orthodontic treatment helps to improve not only facial esthetics but also functional occlusion of an individual. The aim of this study is to find out different factors which motivate patients and their parents to seek orthodontic treatment. This study also aims at determining any differences according to gender in perception of different motivational factors. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 35 male patients and 70 female female in the age group of 12–23 years. They along with their parents were given a questionnaire to answer before the start of the treatment to find out the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. Results: There were a high percentage of patients (88.6%) who wanted the orthodontic treatment to improve their facial esthetics. Nearly 98.1% of parents sought this treatment to make their child look pretty. Conclusion: There are many factors which motivate the patients and their parents to seek orthodontic treatment like improvement in dentofacial esthetics leading to enhancement of self-esteem and providing better career opportunities.