A ten-year evaluation of the quality of orthodontic treatment.

A 10-year evaluation of the quality of orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry in Malmö, University of Lund, showed that in approximately 3 cases out of 4 (73%) successful results were noted in the malocclusions under treatment. In approximately half the cases the ideal treatment goal, normal occlusion, was achieved. The treatment was unsuccessful in 12% and in a large group of patients (15%) the treatment was discontinued due to lack of motivation or compliance. More accurate study and documentation of subjective need of treatment (motivation, cooperation and social sufficiency) would improve the quality of orthodontic care and make it more efficient. Some sort of penalty due to distinct lack of patient cooperation might improve orthodontic care. Root resorption occurred frequently during orthodontic treatment with multiband fixed appliances, but the apical shortening was small and without clinical significance.