title: Expectations of orthodontic treatment in adults: the conduct in orthodontist/patient relationship.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The high demand for orthodontic treatment, evidenced over the last few decades, has been justified mainly by the greater importance given to facial esthetics, influencing individual's self esteem. However, the professional frequently does not meet all the patient's expectations, for not establishing good communication and not knowing about the critical points during orthodontic treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to elucidate patients' desires and doubts regarding orthodontic treatment, by means of a survey applied to 60 adult patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analysis of results revealed that most individuals (38.3%) noticed treatment success after its conclusion. Occlusion deviation was pointed out by 66.7% as the main reason for seeking treatment, and esthetics ranked as second (with 48.3%). Treatment time was considered within the prediction by 46.7% of the interviewees and the results were judged as very good by 43.3%. The social relations of most participants were not affected by treatment (73.3%). Also, 58.3% of the interviewees reported pain as the main complaint and 53.3% found it difficult to use dental floss. Most participants saw the orthodontist as a professional who was concerned about their health (76.7%), and believed that he/she was more able to treat them (96.6%) when compared with the general practitioner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The orthodontist/patient relationship enables an understanding of the expectations regarding orthodontic treatment, resulting in greater motivation and cooperation, leading to a successful outcome.
authors.affiliation: UNICAMP, Brazil. ricardoalves@ortodontista.com.br
authors.forename: Ricardo Alves
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: de Souza
authors.forename: André Frutuoso
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Suélem Maria Santana
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: Jefferson Paixão
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.forename: Maria Beatriz Borges de Araújo
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Magnani
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004955:Esthetics, Dental / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adults; Dental esthetics; Facial pain; Malocclusion; Orthodontics