Assessment of self-perceived malocclusion and barriers to orthodontic treatment: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Context: Malocclusion is a common dental issue that can lead to significant oral health problems. However, patient management and treatment options for malocclusion can vary, and there is a lack of information regarding self-perception and barriers to orthodontic care.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the self-perception of malocclusion and explore barriers to orthodontic care among residents of Bandar Saujana Putra in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Settings and design: A cross-sectional study through the use of a validated questionnaire was distributed to the residents of Bandar Saujana Putra. Responses were collected from June 2021 to February 2022 via both online (Google Forms) and physical forms.

Methods and material: The questionnaire consists of four sections, which assessed the respondents' demographics, understanding and awareness toward malocclusion, and barriers to orthodontic care.

Statistical analysis used: Responses were analyzed using the Pearson Chi-square test with IBM SPSS version 26.

Results: A total of 231 responses were collected from 83 (35.9%) males and 148 (64.1%) females. Females had a significantly higher level of awareness and knowledge regarding malocclusion compared to males (P < 0.05). The majority of the female respondents (83.8%) agreed that malocclusion can lead to dental caries (P = 0.02) and 60.8% of them identified "unpleasant appearance" as the main barrier to orthodontic treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that clear braces could be a viable alternative for patients who are concerned with their appearance and may be a solution to the barrier of "unpleasant appearance." Our study contributes to the existing literature on malocclusion and barriers to orthodontic care in Malaysia.

Keywords: Awareness; barriers; clear braces; malocclusion; orthodontic care.

Figure 1

Gender differences in awareness and knowledge level among respondents who answered “Yes”. This figure depicts the gender-based analysis of respondents who answered “Yes” to a series of questions related to malocclusion (teeth misalignment) and its potential consequences. The questions encompassed various aspects, including the relationship between malocclusion and dental caries, plaque accumulation, gingivitis, difficulty in dental brushing, the importance of aligned teeth, impact on facial appearance, need for orthodontic treatment, advice received on teeth alignment, previous visits to an orthodontist, and factors contributing to malocclusion (Table 3 detailed the list of questions)

Figure 2

Gender differences in barriers to orthodontic care among respondents. This figure illustrates the gender-based analysis of barriers to orthodontic care reported by the respondents to identify and understand the obstacles that individuals face when seeking orthodontic treatment. The questionnaire included a series of questions addressing various potential barriers, such as cost and affordability, multiple dental visits and transportation difficulties, the duration of long-term treatment, concerns about unpleasant appearance, and the need for good oral hygiene maintenance