Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 15

Issue : Issue 6

Address for correspondence :
Mahalakshmi Krishnakumaran
mahakrishnasai@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Orthodontic treatment aims to improve the smile, facial appearance; obtain optimal occlusion; and establish normal oral function. Today, there are myriad of appliances available for orthodontic therapy and there continue to be innovations in this field. Ideally, appliance design is based on effectiveness to meet goals for changing jaw and/or tooth positions. Other factors include patient compliance, craniofacial anatomy, as well as the skills and experience of the operator. Ideal appliance selection is dependent on a correct diagnosis of the orthodontic problems, which will in turn lead to ideal outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of dentist in Chennai on clear aligners and fixed orthodontic therapy through a questionnaire. The objective of the study is to identify areas of strength and weakness of Clear aligners and fixed orthodontic therapy among the dentist. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 dentist practicing in and around Chennai using a Google Forms questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done for the collected data. Results: Results concluded that the knowledge and awareness about the clear aligners were much less among the general practitioners and other specialty dentist compared with orthodontist which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The overall awareness and attitude of the dentist on clear aligners and fixed orthodontic therapy who are practicing in and around Chennai showed that there is increasing need for clinical oriented education of practice and concepts of orthodontic treatment.