Socio-demographics of adult orthodontic visits in the United States.
BACKGROUND
Population-based studies in orthodontics have focused on differences between normative and perceived needs. However, information from national data on the prevalence of orthodontic visits and their associated factors in adults in the United States is scarce. We examined the demographic profile of likely adult users of orthodontic services and whether there is racial and ethnic disparity in orthodontic visits.


METHODS
We analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2000-2004.


RESULTS
Overall, about 1% of the population reported an orthodontic visit. Subjects who made a general dental visit during the current year were significantly more likely to also have an orthodontic visit. Single adults, women, people between 18 and 30 years of age, and those from high-income families were more likely to report an orthodontic visit. There were no indications of racial and ethnic disparity for either black or Hispanic adults compared with white adults after adjusting for other covariates.


CONCLUSIONS
Substantial racial and ethnic disparity in adult orthodontic usage was not identified. Adults (ages 18-30 years), women, those with higher incomes, and single adults had significantly higher odds of reporting an orthodontic visit. However, additional studies specifically evaluating the association of treatment need among low-income families are required to evaluate whether these adults face significant barriers in accessing orthodontic care.
Whitesides
Joseph
J
Department of Developmental Sciences, School of Dentistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. joseph.whitesides@marquette.edu
Pajewski
Nicholas M
NM
Bradley
T Gerard
TG
Iacopino
Anthony M
AM
Okunseri
Christopher
C
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003729:Dental Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class; D014481:United States