Interpolation of perceived compliance and behavior modification in adolescents undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. A Prospective study | Insight Medical Publishing

Aim: The purpose of this study was to monitor the impact of fixed orthodontic appliances on the patient’s daily life activities and evaluate the influence of information given to the patient prior to treatment and to review different studies in relevance to the field. Objective: To assess the impact of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances on the daily life activities of adolescents. Patients and methods: This study was conducted in the department of orthodontics at Karolinska institute, Huddinge, Stockholm. The study group comprised of 20 adolescent patients, from both sexes who were treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Specific self-administered log-books covering aspects of pain sensation, oral hygiene, eating habits, sleep, speech and social activities. Data were collected, coded and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: For the pain experience it was documented that 80% could manage to continue the treatment without pain by the end of the first week, while 20 % were still having mild to moderate pain (=2-6 on the VAS), except in one patient who experienced severe pain (=9 on VAS) during the 5th week. Cheek and tongue ulcerations were reported by 50% of participants on the 1stday of the treatment, and that number has reduced to reach 35% by the end of the follow up period (=8 weeks). Only one patient considered terminating treatment due to pain, and his treatment was terminated after 2nd stage of the study. Conclusion: The impact of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances on the daily life activities of adolescents are expected to occur, mainly during the first week of treatment, primarily because of pain and discomfort. Those impacts can be controlled and managed by good communication between patient and doctor. Adding the social and speech impacts part in the treatment consent could be recommended.