Role of Psychological, Sociodemographic, and Appliance Factors in Oral Health Behavior of Orthodontic Patients

Abstract

Aim: To examine the various factors affecting orthodontic patients’ oral health behavior (OHB), including psychological aspects, sociodemographic characteristics, and the type of orthodontic appliance. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional exploratory study, 250 working-age adults undergoing orthodontic treatment participated. Participants were stratified and chosen at random from a variety of healthcare facilities. The OHB, self-efficacy (SE), oral health literacy (OHL), and demographic and treatment data were gathered. The fundamental data of variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the correlation between determinants and OHB was assessed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Participants were 28.75 ± 7.67 years old on average. The mean scores for OHB, OHL, and SE were 4.18 ± 0.34, 3.98 ± 0.49, and 3.97 ± 0.58 out of 5, respectively, all reflecting good levels. The analysis identified significant associations between various factors and OHB (P value < 0.001, F = 27.35). Specifically, the type of orthodontic appliance used, OHL, education level, economic status, and SE were all statistically significant predictors of OHB. The model explained 54% of the variance in OHB, as indicated by an adjusted R ² of 0.54. Conclusion: OHB among orthodontic patients is shaped by a combination of key factors, including the use of clear aligners, higher levels of OHL, SE, education, and income. These findings emphasize the influence of psychological and sociodemographic factors in promoting effective oral hygiene practices to optimize outcomes in orthodontic care.