Document Detail


Referring adult patients for orthodontic treatment.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  9919034     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment, but they still make up only a small proportion of all adults who could benefit from such therapy. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the appropriateness and value of orthodontic treatment in adults. METHODS: The authors review and summarize previous studies regarding adult orthodontic treatment. Data from these studies are compared to determine the prevalence of orthodontic treatment in adults, the reasons why many adults do not seek treatment and the outcomes of orthodontic treatment in adults. In addition, the authors describe a case to demonstrate how a combination of orthodontic therapy and orthognathic surgery can facilitate and complement prosthetic rehabilitation. RESULTS: Numerous studies indicate that two-thirds to three-fourths of adults possess some form of malocclusion, yet adults make up only 15 percent of all orthodontic patients. Reasons given by adults for not seeking treatment include a lack of awareness that orthodontic treatment can be performed in adults, apprehension about possible pain or discomfort and concern about social acceptance. However, most patients who underwent orthodontic treatment reported only mild discomfort of one to two days' duration, and only 20 percent of patients felt that the appliances had an adverse social effect. Overall, patients reported high levels of satisfaction with treatment. Orthognathic surgery in addition to orthodontics may be required for the most severe problems, and is compatible with subsequent fixed and removable prosthetic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive and comprehensive orthodontic treatment is feasible for adults of all ages. Correction of malocclusion makes it possible to improve the quality of periodontal and restorative treatment outcomes, in addition to providing psychosocial benefits. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: General dentists are often the first dental professionals to suggest orthodontic treatment and to refer patients to orthodontic specialists. Moreover, with the growing emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, more adults are likely to seek information regarding orthodontic surgery. This article provides general dentists with the information needed to communicate with patients about treatment.
Authors:
T M Buttke; W R Proffit
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Case Reports; Comparative Study; Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)     Volume:  130     ISSN:  0002-8177     ISO Abbreviation:  J Am Dent Assoc     Publication Date:  1999 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1999-02-09     Completed Date:  1999-02-09     Revised Date:  2006-11-15    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7503060     Medline TA:  J Am Dent Assoc     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  73-9     Citation Subset:  D; IM    
Affiliation:
School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-7450, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Attitude to Health
Communication
Dental Restoration, Permanent
Dentist-Patient Relations
Esthetics, Dental
Feasibility Studies
Humans
Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / rehabilitation
Male
Malocclusion / surgery,  therapy
Orthodontics, Corrective*
Pain / psychology
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Patient Satisfaction
Periodontal Diseases / therapy
Prevalence
Referral and Consultation*
Social Adjustment
Treatment Outcome

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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