DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/8TVX-FE97

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Dentistry

First Advisor

Eser Tufekci

Second Advisor

Caroline Carrico

Third Advisor

Parthasarathy Madurantakam

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to compare the reasons adult patients seek orthodontic first-time treatment to the reasons adult patients seek orthodontic retreatment, and (2) to compare the concerns, motivations, and satisfaction levels of adult patients seeking orthodontic retreatment across the different previous treatment provider types of orthodontist, general dentist, and Direct-to-Consumer company.

Methods: At their initial orthodontic visit, adult patients (N=108) were invited to participate in the digital survey (REDCap) study. Subjects were recruited from the graduate orthodontics clinic at Virginia Commonwealth University and seven private orthodontic practices across the United States. Visual Analogue Scales were used to assess smile satisfaction, motivation levels, and the importance of different reasons for treatment and retreatment. Participants who indicated they had previously undergone orthodontic treatment were asked additional questions regarding the modality of their initial treatment and retention protocols.

Results:Forty six percent of the subjects were seeking retreatment. These patients were significantly more motivated for their current treatment than their previous one (p

Conclusion: Adult patients seeking orthodontic retreatment report greater satisfaction with their current smile than those seeking first-time treatment. They were also more motivated for their current treatment than their previous treatment. The vast majority of adult patients seeking orthodontic retreatment were previously treated by an orthodontist.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-2-2023

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