OBJECTIVETo investigate the acquaintance to orthodontics and possible factors that obstruct orthodontic treatment in middle school students in zones with different economic levels in Jiangjin, Chongqing.

METHODSThe students were randomly divided into four groups: A class from a junior high school in town (group 1), a class from a senior high school in town (group 2), a class from a junior high school in the countryside (group 3), a class from a senior high school in the countryside (group 4). The information was collected by questionnaire, and the statistical analysis of results was carried out by SPSS 17.0 software.

RESULTSSex made difference in the acquaintance to orthodontics treatment. Girls worried more about teeth extraction and pain that may occur during treatment than the boys. Students in the city had more access to related consultations compared to those in the countryside. Different economic conditions made much contribution to the proportion to go for orthodontics treatment in cities and rural areas. The evaluation from families and friends may affect patients' subjective estimation to themselves.

CONCLUSIONOrthodontists should learn more about student patiens from various aspects, and make different therapies according to their sexes, economic conditions of family, education levels, etc. Only so can orthodontists get better compliance from their patients.