Frequency of orthodontic treatment in German children and adolescents: influence of age, gender, and socio-economic status

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment is a common dental procedure in developed countries. However, the frequency and factors associated with treatment demand are different between countries. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of orthodontic treatment in German children and adolescents and to analyse the influence of age, gender, and socio-economic status (SES; education and region) on the frequency of treatment. Subjects in a random population sample of 1538 German children and adolescents, aged 11-14 years, were interviewed at home in the autumn of 2008 regarding current orthodontic treatment and associated factors. Approximately one-third (33.5 per cent) of the subjects interviewed were undergoing orthodontic treatment at that time. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the likelihood of receiving orthodontic treatment was higher for girls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.65], for high school pupils (OR = 1.19, 95 per cent CI: 1.06-1.34), and for children and adolescents living in the western part of Germany (OR = 1.45, 95 per cent CI: 1.00-2.08) and increased with age (OR = 1.13 per year, 95 per cent CI: 1.02-1.25). Subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment more often received prophylactic measures (OR = 2.06, 95 per cent CI: 1.63-2.59) compared with those not currently receiving orthodontic treatment. The frequency of orthodontic treatment in Germany largely depends on gender and SES.

The German version of the child perceptions questionnaire on oral health-related quality of life (CPQ-G11–14)

“…and verifies the presence of a fixed or removable orthodontic device. All types of orthodontic appliances (or parts of these) were assigned the response "orthodontic treatment: yes" [17]. To determine the percentage ranks, the CPQ-G11-14 summary scores were assigned values of zero as the smallest possible value, up to the maximum value in the sample.…”

Microelectronic wear-time documentation of removable orthodontic devices detects heterogeneous wear behavior and individualizes treatment planning

“…In Europe, the less expensive and less invasive removable appliances are commonly used for orthodontic treatment, mainly in the first phase of 2-phase active treatment but also during the retention phase. [1][2][3] In the United States, fixed multibracket appliances are largely preferred for the active phase. Removable devices, such as the Hawley retainer (used by 58% of American orthodontists), are used first in the subsequent retention phase.…”

Effect of socioeconomic status on normative and perceived orthodontic treatment need

“…Other authors have reported that cost was a barrier for the uptake of orthodontic treatment by subjects of low SES. 23,24 In contrast, the higher frequency of treatment in the middle and high SES groups was likely related to the financial ability of these subjects to undergo treatment in private clinics. 3 It could also be the result of the higher social status of parents and greater aspiration to provide orthodontic treatment for their children 23 or merely due to peer group influences, 20 as more subjects demand treatment on a social status basis regardless of their treatment need.…”