What factors predict the uptake of orthodontic treatment among adults?

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to evaluate the factors that predict orthodontic treatment uptake among adults attending a specialist practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional controlled design was adopted in a private practice setting. The test group included 62 adults seeking fixed orthodontic treatment. The controls were 52 parents of children undergoing orthodontics but who had not undergone treatment themselves. All subjects completed a set of validated questionnaires: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the shortened version of the Oral Health Impact Profile, and the demographic and socioeconomic position characteristics. The Dental Health Component and the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need were used to assess the severity of the malocclusions. RESULTS: A 100% response rate was achieved. Subjects without a partner (P <0.001), with a high oral health impact (P <0.001), or with a need for orthodontic treatment (as assessed by the clinician or the subject using the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need; P = 0.003 and P = 0.031, respectively) were more likely to have orthodontic treatment than were their counterparts with a partner (odds ratio [OR] = 20.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.63-93.25), with a low oral health impact (OR = 5.3; 95% CI = 2.36-11.88), or with no treatment need (OR = 3.6 and 4.4; 95% CI = 1.57-8.99 and 1.15-16.77, respectively). Self-esteem and demographic and socioeconomic position characteristics were not significantly associated with orthodontic treatment uptake (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The significance of age, marital status, and the shortened version of the Oral Health Impact Profile in predicting the uptake of orthodontic treatment among adults was demonstrated.