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Williams AC, Shah H et al. J Orthod 2005; 32: 191–202

In 13 UK centres, 559 patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery with related orthodontics were invited to participate in a study of their reasons for, and experience of the treatment. A questionnaire was completed and returned by 326

Ages ranged from 16 to 65, but the median was 24 yrs. The commonest reason given for undergoing treatment was to straighten the teeth (80%), while 70% believed they would prevent future unspecified problems and 68% considered they would improve self-confidence. More than half the patients considered their appearance would be improved, but only 19% did it to improve their social life, and 13% thought it would improve speech. Until they were referred to an orthodontist, 5% did not think they had a problem.

After surgery, 36% wore appliances longer than they had expected, and 58% had difficulty cleaning their teeth, 35% felt self-conscious, 23% were surprised at the need for retainers, and 9% found appliances very painful. The authors conclude that more pre-treatment advice might be helpful, and that the opportunity to meet patients who had undergone treatment would be welcome.