title: Longitudinal changes in parental satisfaction: mixed dentition esthetics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study's purpose was to report on parents' esthetic perceptions of their children's mixed dentition and parental satisfaction changes over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 376 parents completed esthetic questionnaires concerning satisfaction with their children's  teeth at 9- and 11-years-old. Changes in esthetic perceptions were compared based on fluorosis, nonfluoride opacity status (evaluated at 9-years-old), and other factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 36% had definitive fluorosis on permanent maxillary incisors. Fluorosis (P=.003) and  opacity (P=.02) status were significantly related to reduced likelihood of parental satisfaction at 11-years-old. Parents were less satisfied with overall tooth color at 11 vs 9-years-old (P=.045), but revealed no significant change in satisfaction with overall appearance (P=.17).  Shape and color concerns increased (both P=.003), while spacing concerns decreased (P=.004). Parental satisfaction increases were associated with higher socioeconomic status (P=.03) and starting orthodontic treatment (P=.002), but changes were not significantly  associated with fluorosis (P=.38) or opacities (P=.81).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parents were generally less satisfied with overall tooth color at 11 (vs 9) years old and had greater concerns about tooth shape and color, but fewer concerns with spacing. Improvement in parental  satisfaction with overall appearance was related to higher socioeconomic status and having begun orthodontic treatment.
authors: Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
authors: Hyrum M
authors: HM
authors: Cannon
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Broffitt
authors: Steven M
authors: SM
authors: Levy
authors: John J
authors: JJ
authors: Warren
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003818:Dentition, Mixed; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000523:psychology*