Comparison of oral health-related quality of life in a group of 19-year-old patients with or without previous orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of orthodontic treatment on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) several years after orthodontic treatment.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with previous orthodontic treatment and 31 patients without previous orthodontic treatment, aged 19 years, were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of three parts was used: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-S14), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20) and Orofacial Aesthetic Scale (OES). Previous orthodontic treatment, malocclusions and earlier dental treatment were registered.

RESULTS

There were statistical differences between the orthodontic group and the control group regarding the total OHIP-S14 (p = 0.03) and the total OES (p = 0.028), as subjects in the control group indicated less satisfaction. There were non-statistical differences between the two groups regarding the JFLS-20. When divided into the four domains of OHIP-14, only the psychosocial domain showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.006). No association was found between the decayed, missing and filled teeth index and total OHIP, total JFSL or total OES in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Nineteen-year-old individuals who had undergone orthodontic treatment have a significantly better OHRQoL when compared to individuals without need for orthodontic treatment, specifically in the psychosocial and aesthetic domains.