Role of motivation in successful orthodontic treatment in teenagers

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic treatment is a long-term and responsible therapy that affects the quality of life of a patient at any age. Adolescence is the most suitable for eliminating dentition and jaw anomalies and one of the most difficult from the point of view of psychology. To achieve quick and successful treatment results, the orthodontist should establish a trusting contact with the patient, consider age-related behavioral characteristics, and know and apply modern methods of orthodontic treatment and psychological methods. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the role of motivation in successful orthodontic treatment in teenagers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients participated in the experiment (28 girls and 23 boys; age, 1216 years), who were undergoing orthodontic treatment with removable and non-removable equipment. The first group was composed of patients with a positive dynamic, fixed type of treatment, and good hygiene, and was responsible for wearing extra equipment. Patients with positive treatment results were those who understood their orthodontic problems, were willing to receive treatment, and were able to choose their equipment for the treatment. The second group consisted of patients who were receiving the prescribed treatment, and the equipment was chosen either by the parents or their orthodontist. In these cases, patients dental hygiene worsened because of missing appointments and non-adherence to the recommendations of the orthodontist for the use of the extra equipment. These patients also felt uncomfortable communicating socially because of their orthodontics. RESULTS: The success of orthodontic treatment for adolescents depends on their voluntariness in making decisions to start treatment, emotional readiness for it, and trusting relationships between the parents, patient, and doctor. Thus, considering the preferences of teenagers when choosing medical equipment is necessary so that they could receive a more detailed explanation of the need for timely orthodontic treatment, which will increase their motivation. CONCLUSIONS: The patients progress was followed throughout their treatment. To reach optimal results and cooperation with the patient, the orthodontist has to consider the patients willingness to begin treatment, understand the different procedures, and allow them to choose their equipment while taking into account their age and psychological maturity. These procedures do not only increase the success of orthodontic treatment but also prevent unwanted results and positively influence the psychoemotional status of the teenager.