Year : 2023

Volume : Volume 14

Issue : Issue 6

Address for correspondence :
Arti Mishra
drartimishra9111@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction and comfort levels with different orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces. Methods: A sample size of 500 orthodontic patients was determined based on statistical considerations to ensure the study’s reliability and representativeness. The sample size calculation considered a confidence level of 95%, a margin of error of 5%, and an assumed response rate of 85%. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA were used to compare satisfaction and comfort levels among the treatment groups. Results: Clear aligner users reported the highest overall satisfaction (4.2 ± 0.7), followed by lingual braces users (4.0 ± 0.6), while traditional braces users had slightly lower satisfaction scores (3.7 ± 0.8). Clear aligner users reported the highest comfort levels (4.6 ± 0.6), followed by lingual braces users (4.4 ± 0.7), with traditional braces users reporting lower comfort levels (3.2 ± 0.9). Pain levels were highest in traditional braces users (5.4 ± 1.2), lowest in clear aligner users (2.3 ± 0.9), and intermediate in lingual braces users (2.7 ± 1.0). Dietary restrictions were most common among traditional braces users (80%), followed by lingual braces (30%) and clear aligner users (25%). Overall treatment experience was rated highest by clear aligner users (4.4 ± 0.6), followed by lingual braces (4.2 ± 0.8) and traditional braces users (3.9 ± 0.7). Conclusion: Clear aligners emerged as the treatment modality associated with the highest levels of satisfaction and comfort, while traditional braces had the lowest comfort levels and the highest reported pain levels. Lingual braces provided a balance between discreetness and comfort. These findings have implications for treatment selection and patient counseling in orthodontic practice.