ArticleOrthodontics & craniofacial research2026
Patients' Treatment Experiences With Orthodontic Fixed Appliances, Clear Aligners and Direct-to-Consumer Clear Aligners: A Qualitative Study-Part II.
Article in Orthodontics & craniofacial research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Patients' Treatment Experiences With Orthodontic Fixed Appliances, Clear Aligners and Direct-to-Consumer Clear Aligners: A Qualitative Study-Part II.Orthodontics & craniofacial research · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
aimUnderstanding the orthodontic patient experience is critical in providing enhanced patient-centred care. Qualitative methods were employed to gain insight into the factors shaping an individual's orthodontic treatment experience.
objectives(1) To understand orthodontic patient experience regarding treatment progress, interactions with their treating practitioner and treatment outcome. (2) To explore the challenges patients faced during treatment. MATERIALS AND
methodsAn exploratory qualitative case study was completed. Thirty adults who completed orthodontic treatment either with fixed appliances, clear aligners, or direct-to-consumer clear aligners were recruited. One-to-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the interview transcripts were analysed with NVivo software.
resultsThree principal themes were identified: patients' experiences with orthodontic treatment, challenges encountered during treatment, and suggested improvements to enhance the patient experience. Most participants reported positive experiences with orthodontic treatment. They also reported an increase in self-confidence following treatment. Positive interactions with the orthodontic team elevated the overall experience. In addition, participants revealed their experience of pain and trauma to the soft tissues. A few participants suggested improvements to enhance their overall experience, including flexibility in appointment times and more emphasis on the importance of elastic wear.
conclusionsPatient experience with orthodontic treatment in New Zealand was primarily positive, with few suggested improvements. There was increased self-confidence and dental health awareness following treatment. Commonly encountered problems included gingival trauma, pain, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower expectations of treatment outcomes emerged as a critical theme in the direct-to-consumer clear aligner group.
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Registered trials
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