The long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate post-treatment changes at least five years out of retention in a cohort of 100 consecutively started patients treated by a postgraduate student in a UK orthodontic department.

Design: Analysis of study models using recognised occlusal indices. Setting Patients initially treated at Newcastle Dental Hospital were recalled for record collection.

Materials and methods: Study models and clinical photographs were taken for each patient attending for post-retention records. Weighted Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) scores were recorded for cases at the beginning, end and at least 5 years post-retention. Main outcome measures Post-treatment changes were evaluated using PAR Index and IOTN to evaluate extent and likelihood of change and to compare treatment modalities.

Results: Seventy-eight patients attended for post-retention records. Overall PAR reduction immediately post-treatment was 68.6% and at a mean of 6.5 years post-retention was 55.5%. Dual arch fixed appliance treatments achieved the greatest reduction in PAR score, and maintained the reduction beyond the retention period better than other treatment modalities. Eighty-four per cent of the cohort still had some demonstrable improvement after a mean of 6.5 years post-retention. There was a residual need for treatment in 8% of cases on aesthetic grounds and in 24% of cases on dental health grounds.

Conclusions: Occlusal deterioration after orthodontic treatment is almost universal. Dual arch fixed appliance treatment provides the best post-treatment and post-retention result.