Mixed-methods assessment of perceptions of mandibular anterior malalignment and need for orthodontic retreatment.
BACKGROUND
Postorthodontic occlusal changes may stem from true relapse or may be a consequence of characteristic temporal changes. The aims of this research were to identify occlusal discrepancies related to the mandibular labial segment prompting a decision to undergo orthodontic retreatment.


METHODS
A mixed-methods assessment was undertaken comprising a qualitative analysis involving focus groups exploring the relative importance of a range of occlusal features in the decision to undergo retreatment and investigating the motives for seeking retreatment. Quantitative assessment of these occlusal discrepancies was undertaken by 50 lay and 50 professional raters.


RESULTS
Several themes were identified in the qualitative analysis, with dental esthetics a major motive in seeking retreatment; variations in both the perception of relapse and retainer wear were identified. Horizontal irregularities of the mandibular anterior teeth were consistently perceived as the most severe. The professionals had slightly higher odds for suggesting the need for retreatment than did the laypeople, although this did not have statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-2.19; P = 0.65).


CONCLUSIONS
The perception of mandibular labial segment irregularity and its influence on the need for orthodontic retreatment are complex and multifaceted. Nevertheless, horizontal discrepancies of the mandibular incisors were regarded as the most significant by both lay and professional raters.
Specialist registrar, Oral Growth and Development, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom.
Mary-Kate
MK
Kearney
Assistant professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, School of Dental School/Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; private practice, Corfu, Greece.
Nikolaos
N
Pandis
Reader/consultant, Oral Growth and Development, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: padhraig.fleming@gmail.com.
Padhraig S
PS
Fleming
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D003765:Models, Dental; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019233:Retreatment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult