DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2017.v04i10.003

Pages: 424-429

Majority of the population is unaware of the causes, occurrence and prevention of most of the common oral diseases which affect the general health, wellbeing and overall development of their children. A variety of social, cultural, psychological, and personal factors influences the perception of dental appearance. Despite of the need for Orthodontic treatment patients do not approach to a general dentist/Orthodontist for consultation and even if suggested they might refuse Orthodontic treatment. Thus aim of the study was to assess the awareness about Orthodontic treatment and to find out the reasons for refusal of Orthodontic treatment. A closed ended questionnaire type of survey was conducted among the301subjects (165 male and 136 female) between age group of 18-25yrs from various colleges of BBD University, Lucknow who had a need for Orthodontic treatment but had not undergone it. Questions in the questionnaire was regarding awareness of need for orthodontic treatment, regarding fear and perception about orhtodontic treatment, regarding cost and time duration of orthodontic treatment , regarding myths and misconceptions for orthodontic treatment. Results of the study showed, fear of extraction, myths about incomplete closure of spaces after Orthodontic treatment and frequent visits to Orthodontic office were found to be a prevalent reason for refusal of Orthodontic treatment. Male subjects had more awareness about Orthodontic treatment whereas females had more fear, myths and misconceptions regarding Orthodontic treatment.