EFFECTIVENESS AND DURATION OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness and duration of orthodontic treatment in adults and adolescents with a va lid and reliable occlusal index. Another aim was to evaluate variables that may influence the effectiveness and duration of orthodontic trea tment in general. Pretreatment and posttreatment study models were sco red using the Peer Assessment Rating Index. The difference in scores b etween pretreatment and posttreatment stages reflects the degree of im provement and therefore the effectiveness of treatment. Variables that reflect patient compliance were recorded from written treatment recor ds from three private orthodontic practices. The sample consisted of 3 2 adults (mean age, 31.3 years) and 40 adolescents (mean age, 12.9 yea rs), all of whom had four premolars extracted as part of the treatment strategy. The results indicated that there were no statistically sign ificant differences (P > .05) between adults and adolescents regarding treatment effectiveness (occlusal improvement) and treatment duration . Multiple regression techniques revealed that the number of broken ap pointments and appliance repairs explained 46% of the variability in o rthodontic treatment duration and 24% of the variability in treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment of the buccal occlus ion and overjet explained 46% of the variability in treatment duration .