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Stirling J, Latchford G et al. J Orthod 2007; 34: 113–127

Little is known about how patients make decisions regarding OGS. In this study, 138 patients who had made such decisions 18-42 months previously, or were about to make them, were asked to answer a questionnaire and be interviewed, and 31 and 30 in the respective categories agreed. The 42% who agreed were significantly older than those who declined (mean 25 yrs v. 19yrs).

Patients had ratings for anxiety, self-esteem and body satisfaction similar to those for the general population. Consultants treating the patients rated patients' appearance overall less satisfactory than the patients themselves. Facial appearance was the main motive in seeking treatment given by patients at interview, but in questionnaires, perceived problems with occlusion and dental appearance were predominant. Two-thirds of patients weighed the benefits against the risks in order to make a decision. The authors consider that OGT patients need more support to make informed decisions.