Effect of treatment of severe malocclusion and related factors on oral health-related quality of life

Malocclusions and dentofacial deformities associate with physical, psychological and social functioning, which are included in the concept of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). It is not clear, however, how different aspects related to malocclusion are associated with OHRQoL and how the possible associations interrelate during treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment of severe malocclusion and related functional and esthetic changes on OHRQoL in adult patients who undergo orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical treatment. The study group comprised ninety-four adults (34 men and 60 women, age range 18–64 years) with severe malocclusion and considerable functional problem who were referred for orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical treatment in the Oral and Maxillofacial Department at Oulu University Hospital. Data were collected using questionnaires, dental casts, dental photographs and clinical examinations before and after treatment. OHRQoL (OHIP-14), facial pain and satisfaction with dental esthetics were measured with questionnaires. The methods to measure malocclusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and dental esthetics were the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index, the Helkimo index and the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the IOTN. Before treatment, associations between severity of malocclusion, TMD, facial pain and OHRQoL differed between genders. OHRQoL, malocclusion, signs and symptoms of TMD, facial pain and satisfaction with dental esthetics improved significantly during the follow-up. The greatest improvement was seen in the OHRQoL dimensions psychological discomfort, physical pain and psychological disability. Improvement in satisfaction with dental esthetics and decreased facial pain associated with improved OHRQoL. In conclusion, treatment of severe malocclusion considerably improves OHRQoL. Especially satisfaction with dental esthetics and facial pain seem to be aspects that contribute to patients’ OHRQoL. Thus, the importance of dental esthetics and facial pain for patients should not be underestimated when making treatment decisions and assessing outcome.