A Study to Assess Indian Patients’ Expectations of Check-Up and Diagnosis or Discussion about Treatment at their Initial Orthodontic Visit

AIM: To access the patient’s expectations of orthodontic treatment at the first visit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred new patients to the orthodontics department were included in the analysis. Their demographic details and their opinions on what they hoped to gain from orthodontic treatment were gleaned from their replies to a well-crafted questionnaire. RESULTS: Most respondents were more concerned with the cosmetic results of orthodontic treatment than they were with the therapy’s practical benefits. They hoped that after having their teeth straightened, they would feel more comfortable interacting with others and have a better overall appearance. In terms of improving one’s job and making one’s speaking simpler, the mean scores were the lowest. The female participants averaged higher marks than the male participants across all areas studied, with the greatest mark coming in the area of improved smiles. CONCLUSION: An effective outcome from orthodontic therapy requires full patient participation. Before beginning treatment, it is important for the orthodontist and patient to have an agreement on the patient’s reasonable expectations for the therapy’s outcomes.