This questionnaire study aimed to estimate the overall frequencies of positive perception towards malocclusion and orthodontic treatment among adults categorized according to age, sex, and area of living, and to identify barriers or negative perceptions preventing them from receiving orthodontic treatment. Methods: The participants included 380 adults aged over 20 years who visited KVG Dental College and Hospital, sullia. The participants’ opinions regarding their consideration of receiving orthodontic treatment and about malocclusion were recorded using a specially designed questionnaire. Results: The overall rate of positive perception towards orthodontic treatment was 48.5% and perception towards malocclusion was 74.2%. Compared to adults in their 20s (63.2%), those in their 40s and 50s had a lower percentage of interest in orthodontic treatment (46.2% and 45.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Overall, women (52.2%) had a higher rate of interest than men (42.6%; p < 0.05). The area of living had no effect on the percentage of interest. The order of priority of chief complaints differed according to age: protrusion for those in the 20s and 30s, and spacing for those in the 40s to 60s. Overall, the main reason for not seeking treatment was the treatment fee. Respondents aged over 40 considered themselves “too old” for orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: The middle-aged had a relatively high percentage of interest (above 45%) in orthodontic treatment and All age group people(74.2%) are well aware about the malocclusion and its causes. However, demographic characteristics were not significantly associated with the positive interest. These results highlight the need for educating the middle-aged about the limitations and possibilities of orthodontic treatment to increase its acceptance.

Keywords : Perception, Orthodontic treatment, Age, Questionnaire.