Considering malocclusion as a disability

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies have indicated that a malocclusion possibly affects young people's well-being and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Dento-facial aesthetics may influence how people are judged and may elicit social consequences such as bullying and negative comments. The present study aimed to explore the impact of a malocclusion on young New Zealanders who sought subsidised treatment from the Wish for a Smile (WFAS) organisation and to determine their motivation for seeking care. Method: A qualitative thematic analysis of 151 application letters to WFAS from young people (aged 11-18 years) and their caregivers was supplemented by telephone interviews of nine successful and nine unsuccessful applicants to explore their experiences through their own words. Results: In both the letters and the interviews, young people most commonly reported psychological impacts, followed by social and emotional effects associated with their malocclusion. Physical impacts were less commonly reported. In their application letters, caregivers, although at lower frequencies, reported that the young people experienced the same impacts. One caregiver referred to the young person's malocclusion as a temporary disability. Conclusion: For some young people, a malocclusion may lead to social consequences that are disabling. When considering funding options, it is important to note the individual experience and the impact that a malocclusion might have upon the young person's well-being.

Association between Dentofacial Features and Bullying from Childhood to Adulthood: A Systematic Review

“…The other 21 were cross-sectional studies. Three of the qualitative studies analysed interviews with a total of 632 children [ 25 , 26 ] and 8 interviews with parents [ 23 ]. Patients included were children and parents of children aged from 9 to 18 years.…”

“…Patients included were children and parents of children aged from 9 to 18 years. Two studies analysed written texts: 292 letters (143 from caregivers and 149 from children between 11 and 18 years old) [ 25 ] and 321 Twitter posts [ 27 ].…”

“…In this literature review, there is great variability in the clinical assessment tools for dental defects. In order to evaluate dentofacial condition, eight studies used clinical examination [ 23 , 24 ] or professional assessment [ 7 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 42 ], twelve used patients’ self-evaluation [ 20 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 32 , 35 , 37 , 40 , 43 ], and three used both [ 8 , 9 , 39 ]. The originality of our review, and maybe one of its limits, was to take an interest in both malocclusion and structural defects and to regroup all of them under one term: dentofacial features.…”

“…Twenty-five articles were included. Of the total, eight studies were performed in European countries [ 8 , 20 , 23 , 26 , 30 , 31 , 40 , 41 ], seven in South and Central America Countries [ 7 , 9 , 21 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 43 ], three in African countries [ 32 , 37 , 39 ], three in Middle East countries [ 22 , 28 , 29 ], one in Asia [ 42 ], one in Oceania [ 25 ] and one in North America [ 24 ]. Moreover, studies were performed during different periods: two between 1985 and 1993 [ 20 , 24 ], four between 2004 and 2008 [ 37 , 39 , 41 , 42 ], and the others after 2010.…”