Malocclusion, orthodontics and bullying.
Bullying is endemic among schoolchildren, and the effects can be devastating and long lasting. The persistently bullied child appears to represent a certain psychological type, with poorly developed social skills and a submissive nature. Physical appearance does appear to play a role, which includes facial and dental appearance, although these tend not to be primary factors. Teasing related to dental appearance appears to be particularly hurtful. There is little evidence of a marked increase in self-esteem following orthodontic treatment in children, but in adults following treatment there is an improvement of body concept. The long-term psychological benefits of orthodontic treatment are difficult to measure but there is an increasing awareness of malocclusion with age.
DiBiase
A T
AT
Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.
Sandler
P J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000378:Agonistic Behavior; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D004954:Esthetics; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000523:psychology*; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012951:Socialization