Vol. 11, Issue 2, Part C (2025)

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosis and successful treatment of developing malocclusions in early phase of growth, especially in developing class II and class III malocclusions, can have both short-term and long-term benefits while achieving the goals of occlusal harmony, function and dentofacial esthetics. During the transition stage of dental development there are great opportunities to guide the growth and intercept malocclusion by using myofunctional appliances (activator, bionator, frankel, twin block appliance). Therefore, the aim of the study was to prepare and conduct a survey with the purpose of comparing the experiences of patients with removable functional appliance.

Materials and Methods: This research, a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional design, was done using a Google form to understand the patient’s perception of wearing removable myofunctional appliances. The questionnaire included 7 questions. The questionnaire was circulated to 250 patients through various social media platforms, to be filled by participants who mainly came to OPD of Department of Orthodontics, Pushpagiri College of Dental Science, Thiruvalla, as well as other private dental clinics for myofunctional appliance treatment in Central Travancore region.

Results: Out of 150 participants, majority of the participants, about 66.7% were males and 33.3% were females. Study showed that 46% of patients used appliance only during night time, 30% used appliance only in day time, 24% patients used appliance both in day and night. 57% of the patients visited dentist for relieving discomfort during the appliance wear, 29% got used to it. 64% used brush for appliance cleaning, while rest 36% used cotton. 42% patients reported gagging while wearing the appliance, 31% reported discomfort and 27% reported irritation. Question was asked about patient awareness about appliance action, 87% of patients knew that proper wear of appliance can correct their malocclusion there by, can avoid complicated orthodontic/ surgical procedures in future. 60% of the patients were aware about the retention protocol after active appliance treatment, 33.3% were not aware about the retention protocol, rest of the patients were not sure.

Conclusion: The result of this study shows that factors that contribute to compliance were pain and discomfort, patient-dentist relationship and severity of the malocclusion itself. It is recommended that pain and discomfort should be keep to minimal during treatment. Apart from that, the relationship between patient-dentist should be improved to increase the patient compliance and satisfaction of the treatment outcome. Successful treatment with removable appliance depends on the pain perception of patient especially in young children. In order to guarantee compliance among patient is to keep pain and discomfort to a minimal level.