Previous studies found that orthodontic treatment need and demand were associated with patient factors. A low demand for orthodontic treatment was found in young Singaporean male adults although a high treatment need was observed. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the reasons for the lack of orthodontic treatment uptake in this group of individuals. Method: A sample of male army recruits (N=170, age=17 to 22 years), with no previous history of orthodontic treatment, who had a Dental Health Component score of grade 4 or 5 assessed from study model analysis, was administered a questionnaire to establish the reasons for not receiving treatment. The participants were asked to select one or more of the following reasons as their responses: 1.treatment was expensive, 2.treatment was painful, 3.wearing braces was unsightly, 4.wearing braces was embarrassing, 5.unaware of treatment need, 6.unaware of treatment benefits, 7.parental objection and 8.satisfied with dental appearance. The participants were also asked if they thought they needed orthodontic treatment. Results: The responses, in descending order of preference were 1.satisfied with dental appearance (46%), 2.treatment was expensive (41%), 3.unaware of treatment need (33%), 4.treatment was painful (28%), 5.wearing braces was unsightly (21%), 6.wearing braces was embarrassing (16%), 7.unaware of treatment benefits (10%), 8.parental objection (2%). Only 10 percent of the participants felt they needed orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that self-satisfaction with dental appearance and financial cost were the two most influential patient factors for the non-uptake of orthodontic treatment in young male adults. The low demand for treatment despite a high level of need suggested that patient education and orthodontic counseling were necessary.

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