Treatment satisfaction and its influencing factors among adult orthodontic patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of satisfaction for orthodontic treatment among adult patients. In addition, the influencing host factors were monitored for their associations with satisfaction. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed to measure the level of satisfaction in 10 items; overall satisfaction, tooth alignment, facial appearance, eating and chewing, confident smile and self-image, retention state, treatment duration, treatment costs, intention to recommend, and relief of previous concerns, using a 5-point Likert scale. Total satisfaction was calculated by averaging the Likert scores from the 10 items. The survey was conducted, and the results from 298 adults were evaluated. RESULTS: For the overall satisfaction item, 45.0% were very satisfied, and 39.9% were satisfied, resulting in a satisfaction ratio of 84.9%. Total satisfaction score was 3.9. The level of satisfaction for tooth alignment and confident smile and self-image were significantly higher than facial appearance and eating and chewing (P <0.001). Patients aged 50 and above were more satisfied than the younger ones, and men were more satisfied than women (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, adult patients were highly satisfied with orthodontic treatment. Age, sex, motivation, expected concern, and discomfort influenced the level of satisfaction.