CURRENT TRENDS IN ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

To investigate the current trends in orthodontic practice in Australia. Methods: The link to the online survey, invitation to participate and the information sheets were forwarded to all orthodontists registered with the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO). Data were summarised and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences- SPSS V21. Basic descriptive statistics were used to obtain frequencies and percentages while the chi- squared test of independence was used to check for possible relationships between categorical variables. Results: Preadjusted edgewise is the most commonly used appliance by the participants both in their current practice, and during their orthodontic training. Most commonly used bracket system is conventional twin brackets. The majority of respondents (60 %) extract in less than 25% of the cases, with 2nd premolars being the most frequent teeth extracted. Sequential aligners were used by 79.8 % of participants. The most routinely used expansion method is RME. Almost 74% of participants use TADs in their practice. 59.4% of TAD users prefer buccal miniscrews and 70.7% place the TADs themselves. The most commonly used treatment method for skeletal Class II growing patients is ‘1-phase treatment; orthopaedic treatment immediately followed by OR combined with orthodontic treatment with full fixed appliances’ and 84% of participants utilise functional appliances. The most commonly used approach for management of skeletal Class III growing patients is “Interceptive treatment, observe growth, and decide for further treatment accordingly”, with the most common treatment modality being ‘Reverse pull head gear (face mask) + RME’ at 69.7 %. Main factors influencing treatment decision method for skeletal Class III patients are severity 83.5 %, followed by growth potential. The most frequently performed course of action in the case of a suspected maxillary canine impaction is ‘Extraction of deciduous canine’ at 80.3 %. Conclusion: Australian orthodontists utilise contemporary methods of orthodontic treatment for the management of their patients. Similarities and discrepancies in patterns of practice nationwide were highlighted and discussed, and comparisons made with the other recent Australian and international surveys.