The initial perception of patients and parents regarding Class 3 treatment with face mask and rapid maxillary expansion: a survey study

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effects of face mask and rapid maxillary expansion treatment (FM + RME) on patients’ lives and how their parents perceived it. Methods: 85 patients (47 girls, 38 boys; mean age 11.53 ± 1.50 years) who were being treated with FM + RME and their parents (57 mothers, 28 fathers; mean age 38.97 ± 5.93 years) completed a one-time questionnaire composed of 20 questions, which assessed the initial perception of appliances by patients and parents regarding its effects on their lives. Participants first answered whether they experienced the problem stated in the question (yes/no), then they were asked to rate their discomfort on a scale between 1–5. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, McNemar, Mann-Whitney U, Pearson Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests (p < 0.05). Results: When compared to patients, parents accepted with a higher rate that their children faced the problems stated in the questions (18/20). However, patients assessed most questions with higher discomfort scores. Girls admitted more than boys that they experienced painful aching in their mouth (p = 0.007), were tenser (p = 0.019), and worried about others’ thoughts about treatment (p = 0.033). Mothers were more sensitive than fathers that their children experienced most of the problems stated (17/20) and gave higher discomfort scores. Conclusions: FM + RME treatment caused changes in consuming hard foods, bad breath, sleep quality, speech and social interactions. The reported patient discomfort was more significant than what parents expected from the procedure. Clinicians should inform patients and parents about possible consequences before treatment and parents should approach their children with empathy.

Face mask; Parent; Patient; Perception; Rapid maxillary expansion; Survey

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