Orthodontic care from the patients' perspective: perceptions of 27-year-olds.

The aim was to analyse 27-year-olds' perceptions of their own dental arrangement and any orthodontic care they may have received as a child or adolescent. All of the individuals in a sample of young adults in Kronoberg County, Sweden, who had received orthodontic care during childhood or adolescence (n = 121) were selected to participate in the study. In addition, 76 orthodontically untreated individuals were randomly selected from the same sample. All participants, both those who had previously had orthodontic treatment and those who had not, were sent a questionnaire. Most of the respondents were satisfied with their earlier decision, whether to choose orthodontic treatment or not. Dental professionals were considered to have had the greatest influence on this decision. This means that the desire for treatment may be guided by the orthodontist. Three out of four individuals considered orthodontic treatment important, even when irregularities of the teeth were minor. A majority of the individuals thought that they would have been able to wear visible braces if needed, even in adulthood. Individuals treated by specialists were more contented than individuals treated by general practitioners. Individuals with malocclusions and treatment need, but who had refused offered treatment, were in general more discontented with their dental arrangement; more than half of them now regretted their decision. They also felt it more difficult to communicate questions, thoughts, and opinions on their own desire for treatment. An increased level of information, especially to these individuals, would have been desirable.