Relationship Between the Psychosocial Impact of Malocclusion and Objective Orthodontic Treatment Need

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the psychosocial effect of malocclusion and objective orthodontic treatment need in Turkish adolescents and young adults. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 152 adolescents (mean age; 14.91), and 48 young adults (mean age; 21.83). Participants were asked to answer the "Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ)". Objective treatment need was evaluated by an experienced clinician, using the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment need. (IOTN). Results: Statistical analyzes revealed no significant difference between adolescents and young adults either in PIDAQ and AC scores. There was also no significant gender differences in PIDAQ and AC scores either in adolescents and young adults. A positive correlation was found between the PIDAQ score and the AC value just in adolescent females (r= 0.263, p=0.012). Conclusion: Malocclusion has similar degree of psychosocial impacts in adolescents and young adults. Female adolescents appear more aware of their dental appearance and feel higher psychosocial impacts than adolescent males.