The Impact of Orthodontic Treatment Choice on Quality of Life and Parent/Caregiver Perception in Adolescent Patients: Clear Aligners or Fixed Appliances?

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effects of traditional fixed orthodontic treatment and clear aligner therapy on the satisfaction levels of adolescent patients and their parents/caregivers.Methods: Data were prospectively collected from children aged 12-18 years diagnosed with malocclusion.Participants were divided into two equal groups: Group A received traditional fixed orthodontic treatment, and Group B received clear aligner therapy.At the end of treatment, the COHIP-SF19 questionnaire was administered to the children, the P-CPQ to their parents/caregivers, and the FIS-8 to their parents.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.Results: This study included 114 children; group A consisted of 57 children and group B 57. Children treated with clear aligners had significantly lower COHIP-SF19 scores compared to those treated with fixed appliances (Median: 14.0 vs. 33.0,p