COMPARISON OF PERCEPTION AND KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN ORTHODONTISTS AND GENERAL DENTISTS REGARDING THE USE OF CLEAR ALIGNERS

EB KHAN; T MUHAMMAD; H GHAFFAR; NS JEHAN; HU RASHID; M AHMED; H NAZ

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1004

Authors

EB KHAN Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan
T MUHAMMAD Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan
H GHAFFAR Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan
NS JEHAN Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan
HU RASHID Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan
M AHMED Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan
H NAZ Department of Orthodontics, Saidu College of Dentistry, Swat, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v2024i1.1004

Abstract

Clear aligners, a modern orthodontic solution for malocclusions, have gained widespread popularity due to their aesthetic appeal, convenience, and technological advancements. Understanding the perceptions and attitudes of orthodontists and general dentists toward clear aligners is essential to enhance their adoption and effectiveness in orthodontic care. Objective: To assess orthodontists' and general dentists' awareness, attitudes, and confidence levels toward using clear aligners in orthodontic practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a 10-item questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The sample consisted of 200 participants: 100 orthodontists and 100 general dentists. The responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square tests and t-tests were applied to assess differences between the two groups, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The response rate was 85%. Orthodontists demonstrated significantly higher confidence in using clear aligners than general dentists (p<0.001). Orthodontists were also more likely to view aligners as the future of orthodontics and reported fewer challenges, such as patient compliance and accessibility. In contrast, general dentists expressed lower confidence in achieving precise outcomes with aligners and faced more difficulties during treatment. Conclusion: Orthodontists show greater confidence and a more positive outlook on using clear aligners than general dentists. Addressing the differences in experience and perceptions between these groups could lead to improved implementation of clear aligner therapy in dental practice, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.

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