Relationship between normative and self-perceived criteria for orthodontic treatment need and satisfaction with esthetics and mastication in adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic treatments are performed to improve esthetics and masticatory functions. In general, clinical criteria are used to recommend such treatments without considering the opinion of the patient. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between technically defined orthodontic need (normative criteria) and the need for treatment perceived by adolescent patients. Methods: A total of 215 students aged between 15 and 19 years were selected and asked to respond to a questionnaire concerning their perception of need for orthodontic treatment and their satisfaction with their own esthetics and mastication. One trained and calibrated examiner obtained normative data using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) on the need for orthodontic treatment of these students. Results: Associations were found between the DAI score and the patient's perception of need for orthodontic treatment (P \0.001), satisfaction with esthetics (P 5 0.003), and satisfaction with mastication (P 5 0.047). When occlusal characteristics were analyzed separately, associations between several normative and perceived needs, as well as for satisfaction with esthetics, were found. Satisfaction with mastication analysis was only found to be associated with open bite malocclusion (P 5 0.003). Conclusions: The DAI revealed a consistent opinion in adolescents to link their perceived malocclusion-related conditions to esthetics.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Association With Malocclusion and Self-Perception of Dental Aesthetics in Adolescents / Qualidade De Vida Relacionada À Saúde Bucal E Sua Associação Com Má Oclusão E Autopercepção Da Estética Dentária Em Adolescentes

“…Other studies have also confirmed that the concern of an individual with good appearance is generalized in any society. 24,25 Consistent with previous studies, 26,27 statistical associations were found between gender and impact on quality of life, with the girls presenting 2.54 times more chances of having an impact than boys. Girls, usually, are more sensitive to the perception of their own appearance than boys, 26,28 present more attention, perception and appreciation of with own oral health.…”

Is the adolescent's esthetic concern associated with anterior occlusal conditions or the malocclusion severity level?

“…Adolescent psychosocial behavior may be associated with dissatisfaction with dental appearance. 17,20 Insights about their attractiveness, especially concerning the dentofacial area, associated with the concomitant psychosocial impact play an essential role in adolescence. Better interpersonal relationships and thus greater self-confidence are a direct result of positive social interactions.…”

“…3,13,[17][18][19] Selfperceived dissatisfaction with dental esthetics has been reported to significantly influence the demand for orthodontic treatment. 7,10,14,20 Orthodontic treatment has an immediate, positive impact on the appearance and behavior of adolescents. 21 The esthetic and functional traits of a harmonious face may translate into higher intelligence and leadership skills, contributing to professional and personal growth.…”

Retrograde nerve growth factor signaling modulates tooth mechanical hyperalgesia induced by orthodontic tooth movement via acid-sensing ion channel 3

“… 4 , 5 It has been well-documented that patients’ masticatory functions are negatively influenced by orofacial pain induced by tooth movement. 6 However, to date, no truly effective pain-relief treatment is available for tooth mechanical hyperalgesia induced by tooth movement. 4 This is partly attributed to poor understanding of its underlying mechanisms, justifying further in-depth mechanistic elucidation.…”