Abstract
Background: Children and adolescents show a different perception of dental esthetics. This study aimed at comparing the esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances between children and adolescents living in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia and links their preference to differences in age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried among 234 subjects categorized into two groups according to age range 6–12 and 15–18 years old selected randomly from six different schools of Makkah and Jeddah province, Saudi Arabia. A chart of photos of five different orthodontic appliances was introduced to each
subject to choose the most suitable esthetic device in their opinion supported by a self-administered questionnaire. The data collected were entered using Microsoft Excel program. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical program version 17. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as a level for significance. Chi-Square test was used to evaluate the difference of esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances between two age groups. Results: Among the 234 subjects studied the age groups 6–12 years old contributed 49.6% and the age group 15–18 years old contributed 50.4% of the total subjects. The chi-square analysis showed a significant difference in esthetic perception of different orthodontic appliances between the two age groups, the majority of children (49%) choose a metallic appliance with colored elastics as they look attractive 49.6%, while adolescents choose regular metallic brackets 47.4%. Other factors, such as gender, socioeconomic status, previous orthodontic treatment, and family history of orthodontic treatment did not show any significant statistical difference. Conclusion: The patient preference for selection of orthodontic appliances was found to be affected by age. The study finding could be taken into consideration during the treatment planning to improve patient cooperation.

Key words: Children, adolescents, esthetic, metallic.