RISK FACTORS IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN MIXED DENTITION

Abstract

In this longitudinal study we evaluated the risk factors for the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment in mixed dentition on a sample of 110 patients (52 boys and 58 girls) aged 6 to 10 years in northeastern Romania in the active phases of orthodontic treatment. 13.6% of patients were quitted the treatment or did not come to scheduled appointments. Initially, removable functional appliances were used in 54.7% of patients and myofunctional activators in 45.3% of patients. After evaluating the 6-month treatment results (good in 64.7% patients and poor in 64.7% patients), the appliances were changed according to patient compliance and dental hygiene status. The treatment outcomes after 12 months were good in 78% of patients and decreased in 22% of patients. The effectiveness of orthodontic treatment in mixed dentition has depended both on parents' understanding of the need for treatment, but also on patient co-operation and compliance.

Keywords

• mixed dentition
• malocclusion
• orthodontic appliances
• patient compliance
• dental hygiene