Oral health-related quality of life of children seeking orthodontic treatment based on child oral health impact profile: A cross-sectional study

An Assessment of Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life and Anxiety in Early Adolescents (11-14 Years) at Their First Dental Visit: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Knowing the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) status of pediatric patients would be helpful in analyzing their level of dental anxiety before their first visit to a pediatric dentist. However, few studies have analyzed OHRQoL and anxiety in early adolescent patients. The aim of this study was to describe the OHRQoL and anxiety levels of early adolescents, according to age and sex, at their first dental examination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on early adolescents (11-14 years old) attending their first dental examination in 2023-2024. OHRQoL was assessed using the Spanish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ-Esp11-14) and anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in Children (STAIC). Results: A total of 130 early adolescents were assessed, with an average age of 12.6 years (±1.06) and an equal sex distribution (65 boys and 65 girls). Among the analyzed sample, the OHRQoL dimension with the highest score was social well-being (15.01 ± 10.7), whereas the oral symptoms dimension (8.6 ± 4.25) had the lowest impact. There were no statistically significant differences between female and male early adolescents in the anxiety state or anxiety-trait dimensions or in the dimension of OHRQoL, except for oral symptoms, which were higher in boys (9.48 ± 4.51 versus 7.72 ± 3.81). Similarly, no significant differences were found based on age regarding anxiety or OHRQoL. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that higher levels of anxiety negatively impacted the OHRQoL of the early adolescent population studied.

Evaluation of the effect of orthodontic treatment on the reliability of facial recognition by using three-dimensional model superimposition technique

3D-3D registration of facial models, has great advantages in personal individual identification in forensic medicine. However, orthodontic treatment has brought changes in facial soft and hard tissues, which has a potential effect in personal identification. The aim of the study was to explore whether orthodontic treatment affects 3D-3D facial recognition. A total of 68 patients aged between 18 and 38 were selected (30 subjects with tooth extraction, 38 subjects with non-tooth extraction) and a control group consisting of 30 volunteers without orthodontic treatment was selected from a database of 3dMD facial models. 3dMD facial model acquisition was performed twice for each subject. For both extraction and non-extraction groups, T0 was acquired before treatment, and T1 was acquired at the end of treatment. The time span of 2 times 3dMD facial model acquisition in the control group was about 2 years. 3dMD facial models were then registered onto other 3dMD models belonging to the same and different individuals according to the minimum point-to-point distance, getting a cohort of matches and mismatches. Root mean square (RMS) value of the minimum point-to-point distance between two models was then calculated. The intra- and inter-observer repeatability coefficients were 0.986 (P<0.001) and 0.982 (P<0.001). The absolute technical error of measurement (TEM) value was 0.05 mm and 0.04 mm, and relative technical error of measurement (rTEM) value was 4.91 % and 3.60 %, respectively. Possible significant differences between groups were assessed through independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.001). The average RMS value was 1.03±0.33 mm in matches of orthodontic group, 0.67±0.22 mm in matches of control group, and 2.66±0.51 mm in mismatches. An RMS value range of 1.70-1.77 mm could distinguish matches from mismatches in 100 % of cases in the present study. This study showed that orthodontic treatment would not affect 3D-3D facial recognition in adults for the purpose of individual identification in forensic medicine.

Assessment of psychosocial parameters in adolescents seeking orthodontic treatment

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial impact of malocclusion and the motivation for seeking orthodontic treatment among adolescents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included 102 adolescents (ages 11-18) whose malocclusion was rated using 3 occlusal indices: IOTN, DAI, and PAR. The participants answered three structured questionnaires selected to measure Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) through the short form of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), the patient's perceived impact related to orthodontics through the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and self-esteem through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Independent two-tailed t-tests, one-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Spearman's correlations were used to test various associations.

RESULTS

Patients with higher malocclusion scores displayed increased psychosocial impact with weak to moderate correlations (0.2 < r < 0.3; p < 0.05), but 98% wished their teeth looked better, and 70% were unhappy about their smile esthetics. The IOTN esthetic component AC was better associated with psychosocial implications of malocclusion (p < 0.01). Self-motivated patients (over 80%) had higher impactful psychosocial scores than patients whose parents were motivated for treatment. Sex did not influence the findings. Older adolescents and bullied individuals were more affected by the psychological burden of malocclusion.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the prevalence of psychosocial and esthetic impacts of malocclusion over oral and functional problems. PIDAQ discriminated better than COHIP between varying degrees of dental aesthetics. The results suggest that the orthodontist should explore patients' expectations of treatment outcomes, not only the chief complaint.

Oral health-related quality of life, adaptation/discomfort during open bite treatment with spurs: complementary analysis from a randomized clinical trial

This single-center trial aimed to longitudinally compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), adaptation and discomfort during anterior open bite (AOB) treatment with lingual spurs and build-ups (SBU) versus spurs only (S) approaches. Children (7-11 years) with AOB were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (SBU or S). The Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ8-10) was applied 1 and 12 months after installation of the appliances. Questionnaires evaluating functional adaptation and discomfort during the first month of treatment were also applied. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used in these questionnaires. Generalized mixed models were used for analyzing OHRQOL and discomfort data. Generalized linear models were used to assess adaptation outcomes (α = 0.05). The SBU group included 24 patients (7 males and 17 females; mean age 8.2 years) and the S group included 25 patients (11 males and 14 females; mean age 8.3 years). Regardless of the treatment type, overall OHRQOL scores at 12 months were 0.69 times those recorded at 1 month after the appliances installation (i.e., ~ 31% reduction; exp (β) = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.88). A significant interaction between treatment and time was detected for the 'functional limitations' domain. For this domain, a significant improvement from the first to the twelfth month was observed in the S group (P < 0.001). Patients in both treatment groups showed similar and easy adaptation to the appliances. Independent of the type of treatment, tongue-related discomfort decreased over time. One week and one month after the appliance's delivery, the discomfort scores were 0.19 (i.e., ~ 81% reduction; exp (β) = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.28; P < 0.001) and 0.02 (i.e., ~ 98% reduction; exp (β) = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07; P < 0.001) times, respectively, those issued immediately after the installation of the appliances. Regardless of treatment type; overall OHRQOL improved from the first to the twelfth month of AOB treatment. The functional limitations score decreased in the S group. Children showed easy adaptation, and their discomfort decreased 1 week after the installation of the appliances.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03702881, date of registration: October 11, 2018.

Reflection on patients' experience with orthodontic appliances wear and its impact on oral health related quality of life: observational comparative study

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to explore and compare patient's experience with the use of a removable functional appliance or fixed orthodontic appliance and its influence on oral health-related quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This clinical trial included 81 participants having Class II Division 1 and age ranging between 10 and 16 years. The participants were included in any of a three equal groups according to the set inclusion and exclusion criteria; Group 1: patients treated with a Twin-Block functional appliance; Group 2: patients treated with a fixed orthodontic appliance only; and Group 3 (control group): patients not in orthodontic treatment yet. The COHIP SF-19 was used. Patients were given the questionnaire as follows: Group 1: (1) after at least 8 months from starting treatment; (2) after completing phase 1 by 2-3 months without wearing the appliance; Group 2: (1) just before debonding; (2) after finishing the treatment by 2-3 months without any appliances; and Group 3: (1) at the patient's first visit to the orthodontic clinic; (2) after 2-3 months from the first visit to the orthodontic clinic and before starting any treatment.

RESULTS

The 81 participants were 31 males and 50 females with median age of 13 years. The total COHIP SF-19 scores at baseline were 57 (49-64), 67 (63-72), and 47 (42-53) for the Twin-Block, the fixed appliance, and the malocclusion groups, respectively. Two-month mean scores adjusted to the baseline scores were 64.82 ± 1.15, 65.65 ± 1.47, and 54.45 ± 1.44 for the Twin-Block, the fixed appliance, and the malocclusion groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both at baseline and two-months (adjusted to the baseline scores), participants in the malocclusion group showed compromised socio-emotional quality of life and reported the poorest total OHRQoL. At the baseline, better socio-emotional and total OHRQoL was reported by the fixed appliance group compared to the Twin-Block group but, after two months both groups gave similar sores. Therefore; patients' perceptions about their experience with the orthodontic appliance might change.

3-dimensional analysis of hard- and soft-tissue symmetry in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Facial symmetry severely affects appearance and function. Large numbers of patients seek orthodontic treatment to improve facial symmetry. However, the correlation between hard- and soft-tissue symmetry is still unclear. Our aim was to investigate the hard- and soft-tissue symmetry in subjects with different levels of menton deviation and sagittal skeletal classes with 3D digital analysis and to investigate the relationship between the entire and individual hard- and soft-tissues.

METHODS

A total of 270 adults (135 males and 135 females) consisting of 45 subjects of each sex in each sagittal skeletal classification group. All subjects were further classified into relative symmetry (RS), moderate asymmetry (MA) and severe asymmetry (SA) groups based on the degree of menton deviation from the mid-sagittal plane (MSP). The 3D images were segmented into anatomical structures and mirrored across the MSP after establishing a coordinate system. Original and mirrored images were registered by a best-fit algorithm, and the corresponding root mean square (RMS) values and colormap were obtained. The Mann‒Whitney U test and Spearman correlation were conducted for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The RMS increased with greater deviations with regard to the deviation of the menton in most of anatomical structures. Asymmetry was represented in the same way regardless of sagittal skeletal pattern. The soft-tissue asymmetry had a significant correlation with dentition in the RS group (0.409), while in the SA group, it was related to the ramus (0.526) and corpus (0.417) in males and was related to the ramus in the MA (0.332) and SA (0.359) groups in females.

CONCLUSIONS

The mirroring method combining CBCT and 3dMD provides a new approach for symmetry analysis. Asymmetry might not be influenced by sagittal skeletal patterns. Soft-tissue asymmetry might be reduced by improving the dentition in individuals with RS group, while among those with MA or SA, whose menton deviation was larger than 2 mm, orthognathic treatment should be considered.

Association between Intelligence Quotient Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Background

Determining the intelligence quotient (IQ) grades of children help in managing dental anxiety (DA) and maintaining the good oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Aim

To assess the association between IQ, DA, and OHRQoL in children aged 10-11 years.

Design

This cross-sectional study was carried out among 202 children aged 10-11 years in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. The IQ level, DA, and OHRQoL were measured using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), and Child Oral Health Impact Profile Short Form (COHIP-SF) 19, respectively. Chi-squared test and Spearman rank order correlation test were used for analysis.

Results

The results revealed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05; r = -0.239) between IQ and OHRQoL. DA was negatively correlated with IQ (r = -0.093) and OHRQoL (r = -0.065), but it was not statistically significant. The gender-based comparison revealed no significant difference in the distribution of girls and boys within different grades of IQ levels (p = 0.74), DA (p = 0.29), and OHRQoL (p = 0.85).

Conclusion

Children with higher IQ showed low OHRQoL scores. DA was negatively correlated with IQ and OHRQoL.

How to cite this article

Asokan S, PR GP, Mathiazhagan T, et al. Association between Intelligence Quotient Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):745-749.

Evaluation of the stability of the palatal rugae using the three-dimensional superimposition technique following orthodontic treatment

OBJECTIVES

To determine the uniqueness and stability of the palatal rugae after orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

Cast models of untreated subjects (n=50) were obtained twice at intervals of 8-30 months. Cast models of patients who received non-extraction (n=50) and extraction (n=50) orthodontic treatment were obtained before and after treatment at intervals of 11-41 months and 14-49 months, respectively. All 300 cast models were scanned digitally. The palatal rugae were manually extracted and transformed into 3D point clouds using reverse engineering software. An iterative closest point (ICP) registration algorithm based on correntropy was applied, and the minimum point-to-point root mean square (RMS) distances were calculated to analyze the deviation of palatal rugae for scans of the same subject (intrasubject deviation [ISD]) and between different subjects (between-subject deviation [BSD]). Differences in ISD between each group and the deviation between ISD and BSD of all 150 subjects were evaluated.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in the 150 ISD and 1225 BSD in each group, as well as the 150 ISD and 11175 BSD across all groups. The mean values of ISD in untreated, non-extraction and extraction group were 0.178, 0.229 and 0.333 mm, respectively. When the first ruga was excluded in the extraction group, the mean ISD decreased to 0.241 mm, which was not significantly different from that in the non-extraction group (p=0.314).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthodontic treatment can influence the palatal rugae, especially in cases of extraction. Furthermore, variation mainly existed in the first ruga in cases of extraction. However, palatal rugae are still unique and may be used as a supplementary tool for individual identification.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study indicates that palatal rugae might be applied in the evaluation of orthodontic tooth movement and forensic individual identification. The registration algorithm based on correntropy provides a credible, precise, and convenient method for palatal rugae superimposition.

Effect of Dentifrice Containing Crab-Shell Chitosan on the Accumulation of Dental Plaque in Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

Patients with fixed orthodontic encounter problems in cleaning their teeth and mouths. Dental plaque tends to accumulate on wires, brackets, and surfaces between bonding materials and brackets. Plaque accumulation increases the risks of decalcification, caries, and gingivitis. Chitosan extract is a potential antibacterial agent and inhibitor of dental plaque formation. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of chitosan-containing dentifrice in decreasing plaque accumulation in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study which involved 32 samples (randomly allocated to the control and chitosan groups, after the power of the study was considered) from patients with orthodontic appliances undergoing the last stage of fixed active orthodontic treatment. Plaque accumulation before and after dentifrice use was measured using a plaque index according to O'leary, before and after using toothpaste within 5 days. The patients were instructed to brushing with chitosan-containing dentifrice and chitosan-free dentifrice as a control. Washout period that needed between brushing with chitosan-containing dentifrice and chitosan-free dentifrice as a control was 7 days. Each mouthwash used routinely for 5 days with the same duration and intensity. The data obtained was then analyzed with one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc least significant difference. The level of significance was set as 0.05.

Results:

Plaque accumulation before and after dentifrice use significantly differed (P < 05) between the control and chitosan groups. The average reductions in plaque accumulation were greater in the chitosan group and control group brushing using chitosan-containing dentifrice.

Conclusion:

Dentifrice-containing chitosan more effectively reduces dental plaque accumulation in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances than dentifrice without chitosan.

The impact of labial fixed appliance orthodontic treatment on patient expectation, experience, and satisfaction: an overview of systematic reviews

Background

Patient perception with fixed appliance orthodontic treatment is important to improve oral health-related quality of life.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of labial fixed appliance orthodontic care on patient perception before, during, and after the treatment.

Search methods

Relevant systematic reviews investigating patient perception with fixed appliance orthodontic treatment were identified by searching electronic databases: MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 31 December 2018), EMBASE (1974 to 31 December 2018), AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database; 1985 to November 2018), PubMed (inception to 31 December 2018), Web of Science (1900 to 2018), and PsychINFO (1806 to 31 December 2018). Ongoing systematic reviews were searched using Prospero and a grey literature search was undertaken using Google Scholar and OpenGrey (www.opengrey.eu/). No language restriction was applied.

Selection criteria

Only studies investigating patient perception of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment were included.

Data collection and analysis

Screening, quality assessment [using the AMSTAR 2 tool (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews)], and data extraction were performed by two authors independently. Information was categorized and narratively synthesized for the key findings.

Results

A total of 163 articles investigating patient expectation, experience, and satisfaction with conventional ligation labial fixed orthodontic appliances were obtained. Of these, 152 observational or interventional studies were excluded, resulting in 11 eligible systematic reviews. Two were excluded as earlier reports of a Cochrane review. The quality of the reviews was variable (critically low, low, and moderate). The findings were as follows: aesthetics represents a primary motive for orthodontic treatment; a temporary deterioration in the quality of life occurs during the initial phases of treatment; gender and ethnicity factors do not have an impact on patient perception of treatment; and a positive relationship between orthodontist–patient–parent is important to achieve patient compliance and satisfaction.

Conclusions

There is a lack of high-quality studies in terms of systematic reviews and meta-analyses for assessing patient perception with fixed appliance orthodontic treatment. The aesthetic impact of malocclusion is the main motive for seeking orthodontic treatment. Quality of life reduces during the initial stages of orthodontic treatment but improves in the later stages of treatment. Assessment before, during, and after orthodontic treatment is necessary to comprehensively assess patient perception at all stages of care.

Trial registration

CRD42019122653.

Conflict of Interest

None to declare.

The relationship between oral health-related quality of life, the need for orthodontic treatment and bullying, among Brazilian teenagers

INTRODUCTION

Orthodontic treatment aims at oral health and restoration of function as main objectives, however, psychological and social effects end up being the main reason for the demand for treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), the need for orthodontic treatment and bullying among Brazilian teenagers.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study. To assess the malocclusion, the Dental Aesthetic Index was used. And the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 was used to analyze the OHRQoL. The Kidscape questionnaire was used to investigate cases of bullying. The following variables were also included: previous orthodontic treatment and a desire to fix the teeth to improve one's appearance. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression considering the poor OHRQoL as a response variable.

RESULTS

815 teenagers participated in the study. There was a statistically significant association between oral health-related quality of life and the variables: previous orthodontic treatment (p= 0.0270), desire to fix the teeth (p< 0.0001), sex (p= 0.0309), history of being a victim of bullying (p< 0.0001), frequency of bullying episodes (p= 0.0170), and consequences of bullying (p< 0.0001). The following were considered as risk factors for poor OHRQoL: lack of previous orthodontic treatment (OR = 2.191) and negative consequences of bullying (OR = 3.042).

CONCLUSION

The need for orthodontic treatment was not associated with the OHRQoL; however, bullying and previous orthodontic treatment had a statistically significant association with this variable.

Difference and Commonness Among CLP, NON-CLP Patients and Their Parents Seeking for Orthodontic Treatment: A Questionnaire Applying Q Methodology to Investigate Motives

PURPOSE

Based on Q methodology, this study investigated the motivation of orthodontic treatment for patients and their parents. Through investigation, this paper attempts to explore the motivational factors of CLP and NON-CLP children and their parents, which are different or general.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Q methodology involves 4 phases. (1) Interviews of CLP (N=5), NON-CLP (N=5) patients generated 30 statements (Q-set 1) and CLP (N=5), NON-CLP (N=5) patients' parents produced 36 statements (Q-set 2) about different reasons to pursue orthodontic care. (2) P-set: recruitment participants. The sample comprised 40 CLP patients (G1) and 40 NON-CLP patients (G2) aged 9-16 years, 40 CLP patients' parents (G3) and 40 NON-CLP patients' parents (G4) wanting their children to have orthodontic treatment. (3) Q-sort: 4 groups ranked statements in order of comparative significance using enforced distribution grids (G1, G2 ranked Q-set 1; G3, G4 ranked Q-set 2). (4) Analysis: using the PQMehtod 2.35 vision to analyze data.

RESULTS

Three factors in each group were identified as representing the most widespread views of the majority of the participants, described as G1: (1) aesthetics, (2) preparation for other oral treatments, (3) timely. G2: (1) admiration of others, aesthetics, (2) oral function, (3) oral hygiene and improvement of smile. G3: (1) worrying about the future of children, parents' responsibilities, children's feelings; (2) mental health, timely; (3) parents' responsibilities, ready for treatment. G4: (1) aesthetics, children's will; (2) future problems, timely; (3) timely, parents' responsibility and no need to worry about physical problems.

CONCLUSION

CLP and NON-CLP patients and parents have different orthodontic treatment motives, yet, they still shared 3 global motivation themes, respectively. Consideration of these motives may help clinicians develop their treatment discussions with patients and parents, which could consequently improve their cooperation and may achieve a more satisfactory outcome.

Prevalence of Need of Orthodontic Treatment in 7-16-Year-Old School Children in Udaipur City, India

Objective

The study aimed to estimate the need of orthodontic treatment in 7-16-year-old school children in Udaipur city, India.

Methods

This cross sectional study enrolled 1029 subjects (661 males and 368 females) belonging to Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. Subjects who had not undergone orthodontic treatment were randomly selected. The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) by the same calibrated examiner. Collected data were quantitatively analyzed, and the difference pertaining to prevalence between males and females was measured using the chi-square test.

Results

A Grade 1 IOTN score was observed in 48.4% of the population. Grade 2 was observed in 22.9% of the population. A significant difference was noted for the prevalence of Grades 1, 2, and 3 between male and female children, with male children showing greater prevalence of malocclusion grades. Grades 4 and 5, which were noted less frequently, did not show a significant difference with respect to sex.

Conclusion

A higher percentage of the sample required moderate orthodontic treatment. This necessitates proper education and motivation to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Impact of Malocclusions on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Early Adolescents in Ndola, Zambia

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of malocclusions and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among early adolescents in Ndola, Zambia. It used a random sample of 384 primary school children aged 12–14 years. The Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 (COHIP-SF19) was used to assess OHRQoL, and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used to examine dentofacial anomalies. The chi-square test was used to study whether there was a statistically significant association between variables and multivariate logistic regression for the influence of sociodemographic and malocclusions on OHRQoL. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Participants' sociodemographics were 53.6% female, 41.7% aged 13 years, and 43.5% from grade six. The overall reported impact on OHRQoL was 11.7%, which was significant (p < 0.001) by age and sex, and higher in females than males. The overall prevalence of malocclusions was 27.9%, which was significant (p=0.005) by sex, and higher in males than females. Children with malocclusions reported significant (p < 0.001) negative oral health impact compared to the children without malocclusions. Spacing, diastema, and crowding were most prevalent malocclusions that showed clear inverse association with OHRQoL. The study findings provide indications that malocclusions are negatively associated with OHRQoL among Zambian early adolescents.

Effect of anterior crowding or spacing on oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) involves many aspects such as chewing ability, sleeping, social interactions, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life and oral health. The increasing research interest in OHRQoL began only after the shortcomings of previous approaches of treating symptoms only and neglecting the patient's self-perception were revealed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The current study design is a cross-sectional study of patients who attended King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) and King Saud University Dental Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). After obtaining their verbal consent, young adult and adult patients (mean age 25.19±7.29 years old) with anterior spacing or crowding were recruited to participate in the study. They filled the Arabic short version of the oral-health impact profile-14 questionnaire after a clinical evaluation of the severity of their spacing or crowding. Parameters of spacing/crowding severity assessment were as follows: <4, mild; 4-8, moderate; and >8, severe. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test in SPSS statistical package. The level of significance was set to <0.05.

RESULTS

The sample size of this study was 308 subjects. Findings indicated a statistically significant (p=0.001) association between anterior spacing malocclusion (ASM) with Q5 "self-consciousness", since 64.2% of patients with ASM reported being self-conscious. Results indicated a statistically significant association between educational level with anterior crowding malocclusion (ACM; p=0.02) and ASM (p=0.01) with Q3 "painful aching". Moreover, findings indicated a statistically significant association (p=0.04) between income and ACM with Q5 "self-consciousness". On the other hand, results showed no significant association between gender with either ACM or ASM.

CONCLUSION

This study sheds light on how anterior malocclusion (crowding or spacing) impacts OHRQoL negatively, especially heightening self-consciousness about their appearance. These effects should be addressed by the orthodontist during the course of treatment.