Patients’ and Parents’ Expectations of Orthodontic Treatment: A Questionnaire Based Study in the Eastern India

Background: Despite of realization of need of orthodontic treatment by patient, they experience certain constraints as related to knowledge and perception for pursuing orthodontic treatment. Aim to evaluate and compare patients’ and parents’ orthodontic treatment expectations before orthodontic screening. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 patients having malocclusion and 80 accompanying parents using a questionnaire. Results: Indian orthodontic patients hold high expectations from their first visit, seeking comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning. They anticipate fixed appliances, better oral health, and enhanced self-confidence in appearance and speech. Notably, gender-based differences emerged in perceptions of treatment discomfort, dietary restrictions, and career impact, especially among men. Moreover, a mismatch in expectations between patients and parents highlights the need for clear communication in orthodontic care. Conclusion: Effectiveness of orthodontic treatment is heavily dependent on the patient’s willingness to follow all of the therapy’s instructions. Hence, it is essential that the orthodontist and the patient parent duo come to an agreement on realistic expected treatment outcomes before the treatment begins.