Analytical study of the psychosocial impact of malocclusion and maxillofacial deformity in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Well-Being of Orthodontic Patients Wearing Orthodontic Appliances

Background and Objectives: Orthodontic appliances may cause discomfort for patients. This could influence the person's psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the psychological health of patients wearing orthodontic appliances. It is important to analyze the well-being of patients during orthodontic treatment because it is started in a young age and it may affect one's psychological health. Therefore, for doctors and patients, it is important to understand and take every aspect of the treatment into consideration when deciding when to start the treatment and what appliance to choose. Materials and Methods: A total of 339 patients filled out an anonymous questionnaire. They were divided into four groups according to their age and type of appliance. The main reasons to seek treatment were crooked teeth and a bad bite. There was a statistically significant difference between women and men as women sought treatment because of crooked teeth; meanwhile, men indicated bad bite as their main reason for seeking treatment. Results: A total of 48.7% of subjects noted that they were feeling good during treatment; however, 4% of all patients noted that they were feeling bad. A total of 45% of subjects stated that they felt unhappy at least sometimes. A total of 43% of subjects felt stress. Conclusions: Even though patients indicated various negative aspects on their well-being during treatment, for the majority of the subjects, the end results significantly increased their psychological well-being.

Evaluating the influence of dental aesthetics on psychosocial well-being and self-esteem among students of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

A person's smile has been identified as one of the first observed facial characteristics. Even minor deviations from societal beauty standards, especially among younger individuals, can have a negative effect on their self-esteem. The aim of this research is to evaluate the self-perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and self-esteem among respondents and their association, as well as to determine the main factors contributing to dissatisfaction with dental appearance.

METHODS

This research was conducted as a cross-sectional study that surveyed students of the University of Novi Sad. Other Universities and private faculties were excluded from participation. Data collection used standardized questionnaires measuring the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (PIDAQ) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Questionnaire (an online GoogleForms) was sent to the students via official Facebook groups of the faculties, student's e-mails and Instagram profiles. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Students T-test, ANOVA, multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman coefficient. To test internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha(α) was calculated for the questionnaire as a whole (0,761) and each used questionnaire (PIDAQ - 0.766; RSES - 0.765). Cronbach's alpha(α) was also calculated for each domain from PIDAQ (DSC-0.946; SI-0.882; PI-0.953; AC-0.916).

RESULTS

The study involved 410 participants, predominantly female (80%), aged between 21 and 23 (45.4%), primarily in ther first academic year (21.5%), and with a grade point average between 8.01 and 9.00 (42.4%). Data analysis has shown a statistically significant difference in the total PIDAQ score and SI subdomain in relation to the academic year (total PIDAQ p = 0.025; SI p = 0.000). In terms of self-esteem, results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the academic year (95%CI: 0.410-1.837; p = 0.002) and the average point grade (95%CI: -0.025-1.600; p = 0.047) were significant predictors of greater self-esteem. The Spearman coefficient value (r=-0.316, p < 0.001) confirmed a statistically significant negative correlation between PIDAQ and self-esteem. Only 34% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their teeth. Dissatisfaction about the smile was primarily attributed to the arrangement and positioning of their teeth (32.2%). Financial constraints were identified as the main barrier for seeking interventions to improve smile satisfaction (39.5%).

CONCLUSION

Students experiencing a greater psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics tended to exhibit lower self-esteem.

R, Anand K, Prakash S. An Assessment of the Correlation Between Tooth Size and Agenesis of Maxillary Lateral Incisor in Subjects Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Background and objective

Occlusion rehabilitation and restoration are difficult in subjects with congenitally missing lateral incisors, either unilaterally or bilaterally, and often lead to malocclusion and warrant replacement. The present study was conducted to assess the agenesis of maxillary lateral incisor unilaterally and bilaterally and to examine tooth size discrepancy in agenesis subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Materials and methods

We assessed 32 dental casts of both genders (17 males and 15 females) with missing maxillary lateral incisors either unilaterally or bilaterally. Mesiodistal dimensions were measured and a comparison of tooth sizes was done for control and test groups. The data were assessed and the results were documented.

Results

Lateral incisors of the maxillary arch were statistically smaller in the test group compared to the control group. This was true for both males and females (p=0.001 for both). A similar finding was observed with respect to the overall study group (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Based on our findings, maxillary lateral incisor agenesis plays a role in malocclusion development.