A qualitative study of the early effects of fixed orthodontic treatment on dietary intake and behaviour in adolescent patients

The aim of this research was to assess the effects of fixed orthodontic treatment on dietary intake and behaviour. The study adopted a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured one-to-one interviews, with 10 adolescent patients (four males; six females) undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with a mean age of 13.21 (SD 0.71) years. The interviews were transcribed and analysed, by two independent investigators, using framework principles in which emerging themes and ideas were identified. These emerging themes were characterized and compared between patients until no new themes or ideas were identified. Framework analysis identified the following two main themes arising in adolescent patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment: pain experience and dietary change. All patients reported varying degrees of pain during the first few days of treatment, after which it was seen to reduce. All patients reported that their diet had changed in response to pain, inability to bite and chew, and in response to dietary instructions given to them by their orthodontist. Patients felt that their eating habits had become healthier during treatment. The study highlights the need to explore dietary changes in a larger population base.