The impact of hypodontia: a qualitative study on the experiences of patients

Abstract

Congenital absence of teeth affects 2-6 per cent of the population, but its impact on quality of life (QoL) is not fully understood. The symptoms of hypodontia can vary and therefore also the treatment and management of this condition. Determining and understanding the possible impact of hypodontia on patients could inform and improve the management of such patients. A purposive sample of 10 participants aged 16-25 years (five males and five females) with mild, moderate, or severe hypodontia at various stages of treatment was recruited. The participants had previously completed a 49-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire with summary scores ranging from 24 to 143. All subjects participated in semi-structured interviews, and these were transcribed and analysed using NVivo software. The results show that the role of hypodontia patients in the treatment decision-making process changes significantly as they move from childhood to adulthood. Participants indicated dissatisfaction with the lack of communication with dental services throughout early adolescence as they became more cognizant of their condition which in turn led to concerns with regard to appearance which impacted on their psychosocial well-being. Hypodontia patients expect improved communication with dental practitioners and services as they become more cognizant of their condition and wish to become more actively involved in the decision-making process regarding their current and future treatment.

Hypodontia: An Update on Its Etiology, Classification, and Clinical Management

“…They aim to assess the functional, psychological, and social implications of the condition on an affected individual. Although numerous studies in the literature report on the prevalence, aetiology, and treatment of hypodontia, only few have investigated OHRQoL in individuals with hypodontia [73]. The few studies that have been carried out provide some evidence that hypodontia may have an adverse impact on quality of life.…”

Space closing versus space opening for bilateral missing upper laterals – aesthetic judgments of laypeople: a web-based survey

“…Developmentally absent maxillary lateral incisors are a common clinical condition and can lead to a significant social handicap to young people, due to the adverse effect on their dental appearance (Meaney et al, 2012). The two orthodontic treatment options are either to close space, by positioning the maxillary canine next to the central incisor and camouflaging the canine to look more like a lateral incisor (OSC), or to open space for a prosthetic replacement (PR).…”

Associations between ectodermal dysplasia, psychological distress and quality of life in a group of adults with oligodontia

“…However, some of the differences between the study group and the normative sample may be related to aspects that can cause worry and uncertainty about the future. Individuals with oligodontia may require advanced long-term interdisciplinary medical and dental treatment in order to improve oral function and appearance, and delays in completing dental treatment may cause considerable frustration [30]. It is common for individuals with oligodontia to wait for many years before undergoing their final rehabilitation, as growth must often be completed before final treatment can begin, possibly explaining some of the variance in anxiety.…”