An investigation into some of the factors influencing the desire for orthodontic treatment.

A sample of 207 patients and their respective parents were surveyed to assess the influence various occlusal anomalies and other factors had had in stimulating a desire for orthodontic treatment. From the results obtained it is thought that more attention should be given to the particular occlusal and aesthetic deviations which are causing concern to the patient: assumptions based purely upon the presenting occlusal condition should be avoided. It was shown that for the majority of patients the provision of orthodontic care was dictated largely by aesthetics but that the general dental practitioner exerted an appreciable influence on patient acceptance of treatment.