Factors associated with usage frequency and pricing of temporary anchorage devices among orthodontists.

ABSTRACT

Background/purpose: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are widely used in contemporary orthodontic treatments for anchorage purposes. This research aimed to investigate orthodontists' attitude toward temporary anchorage devices (TADs) by surveying their TAD usage frequency and pricing and to identify factors influencing TAD usage frequency and pricing. Materials and methods: A structured, self-administered questionnaire with a total of 26 questions was randomly distributed to members of the Taiwanese Association of Orthodontics at the annual orthodontic meeting. The questionnaire comprised 6 questions on demographics, 10 questions on work patterns and patient type, and 10 questions on orthodontic technique. Responses were analyzed using a Pearson chi-Square test to identify factors of interest. Results: Factors associated with TAD usage frequency included degree of income satisfaction, number of working hours per week, and proportion of extraction-based treatments in treatment plans. Factors associated with TAD pricing included orthodontist age, geographic region of practice, and adult treatment fee. Conclusion: More Taiwanese orthodontists use TADs compared with orthodontists in other countries. TADs have become universally accepted, but practitioners use them selectively. The main factor influencing TAD usage frequency was the proportion of extraction-based treatments in treatment plans, and those influencing TAD were orthodontist age, geographic region of practice, and adult treatment fee. These findings may be applicable to other parts of the world and should be investigated at an international level.