RT Journal Article
T1 Orthodontic treatment for disabled children: a survey of parents’ attitudes and overall satisfaction
A1 Abeleira Pazos, María Teresa
A1 Pazos Currais, Elizabeth
A1 Ramos Barbosa, María Isabel
A1 Outumuro Rial, Mercedes
A1 Limeres Posse, Jacobo
A1 Seoane Romero, Juan Manuel
A1 Diniz Freitas, Márcio
A1 Diz Dios, Pedro
K1 Disabled
K1 Special needs
K1 Orthodontic
K1 Dentistry
K1 Satisfaction
AB BackgroundMany patients with disability require orthodontic treatment (OT) to achieve adequate oral function and aesthetic appearance. The cooperation of disabled patients and of their parents is central to the success of OT, as treatment can involve ethical dilemmas. The aim of this study was to analyze the motivation, expectations and overall satisfaction with OT among parents of patients with disabilities.MethodsThe parents of 60 disabled Spanish children with physical, mental and/or sensory impairment undergoing OT were surveyed on attitudes to OT and level of satisfaction with the outcomes. The survey consisted of 23 questions in 4 sections: attitude and adaptation, benefits, adverse effects, and level of satisfaction after completion of OT. A control group formed of the parents of 60 healthy children undergoing OT at the same institution were also surveyed.ResultsParents of disabled children undergoing OT showed a high level of motivation and they are willing to collaborate in oral hygiene procedures. Adaptation to the removable appliances was poorer in disabled children but adaptation to fixed appliances was excellent. OT can provide a marked improvement in quality of life, social relationships and oral functionality in disabled children.ConclusionsAmong parents of disabled children undergoing OT, the perceived level of overall satisfaction was very high and expectations were often exceeded.
PB BioMed Central
SN 1472-6831
YR 2014
FD 2014
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10347/23028
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10347/23028
LA eng
NO Abeleira, M.T., Pazos, E., Ramos, I. et al. Orthodontic treatment for disabled children: a survey of parents’ attitudes and overall satisfaction. BMC Oral Health 14, 98 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6831-14-98
DS Minerva
RD 4 may 2026