Orthodontic Treatment and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients

OBJECTIVE Malocclusion is a common oral disorder, can cause negative impacts on oral conditions, social life and patients' self confidence. The objective of this study was to determine whether orthodontic treatment influence oral health related quality of life (OHQoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional design with self-reported data were collected from 302 participants attended at professional orthodontic office (62% female; mean age, 21.71 years) in two "treatment" and "no treatment" groups. The measure namely (oral health impact profile) OHIP-14 was used to assess the patient's OHQol. Linear regression model was used in the data analysis. RESULTS A significant relationship was found in one question and one domain of OHIP-14 between the two groups (P<0.05) which showed difference in physical limitation. Linear regression model showed that in the treatment group, this domain of OHQoL was 1.86 times less likely complicated than in the "no treatment" group. CONCLUSION Patients who had completed orthodontic treatment had a better OHQoL in physical aspects than those who never had treatment.