FACTORS AFFECTING DECISION MAKING IN FIXED ORTHODONTICS

Abstract

This research aimed to study the factors affecting the decision-making behavior for selecting fixed orthodontic appliances. The data collection instrument used was a questionnaire, which demonstrated an acceptable level of content validity and reliability. The results showed that factors such as age, education level, occupation, income, and product-related marketing factors were significantly different at a statistical level of 0.05 between the groups that chose and did not choose fixed appliances. In this study, it was found all these factors were analyzed in relation to the decision to choose fixed appliances. It was found that the variables of age, income, and marketing factors related to the product (ease of cleaning the orthodontic appliances) had a statistically significant relationship with the decision to choose fixed appliances at the 0.05 level. Specifically, the age group of 18-30 years had a 4.8 times greater likelihood of choosing fixed appliances compared to those who did not choose them. It was also found that individuals in the income group below 30,000 THB were 11.7 times more likely to choose metal braces compared to those earning above 30,000 THB. Additionally, it was found that in the group that chose fixed appliances, they did not pay attention to the ease of keeping the braces clean.