The Impact Of Malocclusion On Quality Of Life And Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction:The concept of quality of life is related to the individuals perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the type of malocclusion affects the perception of quality and satisfaction with people's lives. Three questionnaires were applied: the first one assessed the social and economic factors and the diagnosis of malocclusion through Angle´s classification, the second was the OHIP-14, and the third was the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS).Results: This study involved 444 patients aged 18 to 72 years. According to the classification of malocclusion 48.65% was Class I, 22.75% was Class II division 1, 12.16% was Class II division 2 and Class III 16.44%. The malocclusion did not have negative impact on the level of satisfaction with life, but in all dimensions analyzed by OHIP-14, malocclusion had negative impact on quality of life and was statistically significant. The most severe malocclusions such as Class II and Class III represent a more negative impact when compared to Class I malocclusion. Moreover, for the dimensions assessed by the OHIP-14, physical pain and psychological discomfort were those who showed a greater negative impact on quality of life. Conclusions:Malocclusions do not interfere with the judgment of the level of satisfaction with life, but they produce a negative impact on quality of life.