ABSTRACT

Factors related to compliance with the wearing of headgear and intraoral elastic were evaluated in a sample of 110 clinic orthodontic patients (54 boys and 56 girls). Data was gathered by means of a questionnaire associated with orthodontic compliance. The questions were same for all of the patients. The questionnaires have evaluated opinions and approaches of the patients associated with orthodontic treatment, headgear and intraoral elastic wear. In general the questions involved two different parts: First - negative motives (pain, inconvenience and dysfunction), second – positive motives (general health awareness specific dental knowledge and private-social values) associated with orthodontic treatment, headgear and intraoral elastic wear. The data were evaluated with descriptive statistical method. Chi-square test were used for assessment the differences between positive and negative answers of the girls and boys. The conclusions have showed that the patients have no complaints regarding pain, inconvenience and dysfunction during the fixed appliance therapy. However in half of the patients, the complaints have increased with using headgear and wires, which applied active force. The pain was major factor on not wearing in both the boys and the girls. The girls are more compliant than the boys. It has been seen that internally motivated patients use the headgear and intraoral elastic inspite of all the problem. Throughout the all-orthodontic treatments, self help /relevance and patient education are most important things at patient compliance.