Evidence that of orthodontics improves long term psychological well being lacking

Abstract

Design

Cohort study.

Exposure

Children who were examined in 1988/1989 were invited to a follow-up in 2005/2006. Respondents completed a questionnaire, which collected information on quality of life, receipt of orthodontic treatment and psychosocial factors, and were invited for a clinical examination. Oral health conditions including occlusal status using the Dental Aesthetic Index were recorded.

Data analysis

Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, analysis of variance and multivariate analyses using linear regression were conducted to determine the effects of various factors on the psychosocial outcomes of orthodontic treatment.

Results

No statistically significant association between occlusal status at adolescence and quality of life at adulthood was found. Individuals who had orthodontic treatment but did not need orthodontic treatment had higher self-esteem and were more satisfied with life than other treatment groups. Occlusal status at adulthood was significantly associated with quality of life. Multivariate analyses showed a statistically significant association between occlusal status at adolescence and adulthood with quality of life. Orthodontic treatment was negatively associated with psychosocial factors fixed orthodontic treatment and self-esteem.

Conclusions

Occlusal status appears to have limited association with quality of life and psychosocial factors. Receipt of fixed orthodontic treatment does not appear to be associated with oral health related quality of life but appears to be negatively associated with self-esteem and satisfaction with life.

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