- Research Finds Potential Need for Increased Orthodontic Care in Females
According to a study conducted by Barmer, a health insurance company, female children in Rhineland-Palatinate undergo orthodontic treatments more often than male counterparts. The study revealed that 60.1% of girls aged 8-17 received orthodontic care, compared to 49.4% of boys. Barmer provided data from over 2,600 kids in the region.
The "Dental Report" reviewed billing details from approximately 53,000 eight-year-olds born in 2005, spanning a decade from 2013 to 2022. Barmer supplied the data.
Dunja Kleis, the regional manager, proposed several potential causes for the higher orthodontic treatment count among girls, including societal beauty standards, peer influence, and overly protective parenting. No medical basis supports the notion that girls require more treatments.
Orthodontic treatments varied within Rhineland-Palatinate as well. Across all 8-17-year-olds, 54.8% received orthodontic care. Mainz had the highest treatment rate at 59.5%, while the Trier-Saarburg district recorded the lowest rate of 49.4%.
In the comprehensive "Dental Report" analyzed by Barmer, over 53,000 eight-year-olds born in 2005 were included, with data provided by Barmer themselves. Despite Dunja Kleis suggesting potential reasons for the gender discrepancy in orthodontic treatments, such as societal beauty standards and overly protective parenting, Barmer, the health insurance company, found no medical basis supporting the need for more treatments among girls.
