AUTOPERCEPÇÃO E ATITUDES SOBRE O CONHECIMENTO ORTODÔNTICO PRÉ-PROTÉTICO: Uma análise com especialistas em reabilitação oral no Brasil

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-prosthetic orthodontics is an important interdisciplinary treatment option, as it aims to optimize prosthetic-rehabilitation procedures. This type of treatment involves specific techniques for complex and difficult-to-resolve cases, integrating mechanics to re-establish the correct occlusal plane. Evidence suggests that improving orthodontic knowledge among professionals can help in decision-making and perception of orthodontic treatment, resulting in greater satisfaction for both the patient and the professional in relation to clinical cases. Objectives: To analyze the self-perceived knowledge of specialists in Prosthodontics, Implant Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry regarding the orthodontic approach prior to prosthetic rehabilitation treatment, as well as their attitudes towards interdisciplinary planning. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with specialists from all regions of Brazil (North, South, Northeast, Southeast and Midwest), using a structured questionnaire with sociodemographic questions and questions related to self-perception and attitudes about preprosthetic orthodontic knowledge, through direct and indirect virtual invitations. Descriptive statistical analysis included the calculation of absolute and percentage frequency measures and the construction of bar charts. The Chi-square (χ²) test or Fisher's exact test were applied to compare the frequencies of categorical variables between the groups. The significance level adopted for all analyses was 5% (P < 0.05). Results: A total of 351 participants answered the questionnaire independently, with 43.9% specializing in Prosthodontics, 35.9% in Implant Dentistry and 20.2% in Restorative Dentistry. Of these, 61.3% reported not having received content on orthodontics during their specialization course. With regard to pre-prosthetic orthodontics, 98.3% considered it to be favorable for the prognosis of rehabilitation treatments, and 93.4% reported that they noticed many flaws in the planning of patients with unfavorable occlusal relationships. The degree of patient satisfaction, as perceived by the professionals, was 8.5% in the “totally satisfied” category for cases without previous orthodontics, rising to 48.7% for cases with previous orthodontics (P <0.001). In addition, 70.1% reported that previous orthodontics favored rehabilitative treatment for partially or totally edentulous patients. Conclusion: In light of the above, specialists have a positive self-perception and favorable attitudes towards pre-prosthetic orthodontic knowledge. The mechanics of slow extrusion and space adaptation are the best known, compared to the mechanics of deep bite correction and root angulation. Clinical partnerships with orthodontists tend to optimize the results of rehabilitation procedures, promoting a better prognosis and patient satisfaction.