Table 3.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment as perceived by parents of disabled (n = 60) and healthy children (n = 60)

	Disabled children n (%)	Healthy children n (%)	P value
You wish to enhance the appearance of the teeth and face			0.228
A lot	41 (68.3%)	30 (50.0%)
A little	12 (20.0%)	19 (31.6%)
Not concerned	7 (11.6%)	11 (18.3%)
Improvement in quality of life			0.536
Yes	50 (83.3%)	47 (78.3%)
No	4 (6.6%)	6 (10.0%)
Don’t know	6 (10.0%)	8 (13.3%)
Improvement in social acceptance			0.016
Yes	47 (78.3%)	33 (55.0%)
No	7 (11.6%)	10 (16.6%)
Don’t know	6 (10.0%)	17 (28.3%)
Improvement in social integration			0.006
Yes	43 (71.6%)	33 (55.0%)
No	10 (16.6%)	6 (10.0%)
Don’t know	7 (11.6%)	21 (35.0%)
Other reasons for seeking treatment			0.002
To improve dental health	32 (53.3%)	45 (75.0%)
To improve chewing	15 (25.0%)	14 (23.3%)
To improve speech	13 (21.6%)	1 (1.6%)