Factors affecting uptake of orthodontic treatment among adults.

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A cross-sectional questionnaire of the factors affecting uptake of orthodontic treatment among adults.

• IRAS ID

  206413

• Contact name

  Padhraig Fleming

• Contact email

  padhraig.fleming@qmul.ac.uk

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  QMERC1378, QMUL Ethical Approval Reference

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 5 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Background

  Adult orthodontics has become increasingly popular over the past 20 years. This may relate to an increasing emphasis on dental and smile aesthetics and a growing awareness of the potential benefits of orthodontic treatment. However, historically the appearance and anticipated duration of treatment deterred many prospective patients from undergoing treatment.(1)

  Recently, shorter forms of orthodontic treatment with more aesthetic appliances have been developed. They have been marketed directly both to dentists and prospective patients on the internet and through the popular press. Often these treatments are offered by general dentists without specialist qualifications, although they can also be provided by registered specialists in orthodontists.

  Significant progress has been made in improving the aesthetics of orthodontic appliances themselves. In particular, removable clear alternatives to traditional metal braces exist, hidden (lingual) appliances are becoming increasingly popular and white (ceramic) braces are a mainstay of adult orthodontic treatment.(2)

  There is little published literature regarding the various factors and their relative importance that adults consider when deciding whether to undertake orthodontic treatment.

  References

  1. Keim RG, Gottlieb EL, Nelson, AH, Vogels, DS. J Clin Orthod. 2013; 47: 661-80.
  2. Kravitz ND, Kusnoto B, BeGole E, Obrez A, Agran B. How well does Invisalign work? A prospective clinical study evaluating the efficacy of tooth movement with Invisalign. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2009;135:27-35.

  6. TRIAL OBJECTIVES

  Primary Objective:
  To assess the relative importance of various factors in relation to the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment in adults, including:
  • Outcome, in terms of aesthetics and occlusion
  • Operator training
  • Duration of treatment
  • Appliance aesthetics

  Primary Endpoint:
  Completion of ‘Discrete Choice Experiment’ questionnaire designed to assess the relative importance of various factors in relation to the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment in adults.

• REC name

  London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/LO/1503

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Aug 2016

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion