Abstract
Summary
OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of fixed orthodontic treatment on oral
health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-esteem in adults.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
A
prospective study design was applied, within private practice. Sample
size estimation revealed a minimum of 52 subjects, allowing for drop
outs. All participants completed a set of validated questionnaires at
baseline (T0), 1- (T1), 3- (T2), and 6-months (T3) and post-treatment
(T4). These included the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, the Oral Health
Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and a socioeconomic status questionnaire. The
Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need
(IOTN) was used to assess malocclusion severity.
RESULTS:
Sixty-one
subjects were recruited, with only one subject lost to follow-up. A
statistically significant difference in OHRQoL scores was seen between:
T0 and T1 (P = 0.001); T0 and T2 (P = 0.020). There was no statistical
difference between T0 and T3 (P = 0.078) or T4 (P = 0.565), where OHRQoL
improved to pre-treatment scores. A significant difference in
self-esteem scores was observed between baseline and end of treatment (P
= 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS:
Undergoing fixed orthodontic
therapy had a negative impact on the overall OHRQoL, during the first 3
months of treatment, which then improved to pre-treatment scores, whilst
a significant increase was observed in self-esteem as a result of
treatment.
Comments