Appointment frequency versus treatment time.

A study is presented of 92 orthodontic patients whose treatment was completed between the years 1985 and 1987. Because of the unique situation in the clinic in which the study was undertaken, patients are seen at long intervals as compared to what normally would be considered the "standard" length of time between appointments. It is concluded that the overall length of treatment did not increase significantly, even though patients were seen much less frequently. The differences may have been partially attributable to the new high-tech appliances and materials used today and partially related to the fact that indeed it may not be necessary to see patients at 3- or 4-week intervals.