| Purpose. This study investigated ethnic differences in perceptions of malocclusion and attitudes toward orthodontic treatment, controlling for family income.;Materials & methods. A sample of 254 (Black, White and Hispanic) college students were categorized based on family incomes ≤;Results. The results showed that Hispanics were more accepting of malocclusions than the Whites or Blacks, whether or not family income was controlled for. Whites were the most dissatisfied with their own occlusion and had a more positive view of orthodontics than Blacks and Hispanics, even after controlling for family income. Blacks reported that more treatment was needed and were most bothered by crooked teeth. Significant sex differences were also shown. The ≤;Conclusion. There were significant ethnic differences in perceptions of malocclusion and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment, even after controlling for family income. |
