Parental awareness and practice on malocclusion in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India: A questionnaire survey

Malocclusion in children often remains unnoticed or underestimated by parents, despite its significant impact on oral function and psychosocial well-being. Therefore, it is of interest to assess parental awareness and practices regarding malocclusion and orthodontic care among 200 parents in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, using a validated bilingual questionnaire. Data revealed that while 75.5% of parents were aware of malocclusion, only 30% knew about orthodontic appliances beyond fixed metal braces and male parents demonstrated significantly higher awareness levels. Most parents (86%) expressed readiness to persuade their child for treatment based on professional advice; yet socioeconomic factors influenced treatment preferences. Thus, that despite moderate awareness, there is a pressing need for targeted public health programs and educational initiatives to enhance parental knowledge and encourage timely orthodontic intervention for children.