Do malocclusions affect the individual's oral health-related quality of life?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of different types of malocclusions on the quality of life in 18-year-old young male adults.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey with a randomly selected sample of 414 young male adults who applied for military service in the city of Florian6polis in 2003 was carried out. Data on malocclusions were obtained through the dental aesthetic index variables. The impact of the oral health conditions on the quality of life was assessed, using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance index. Chi-squared tests were performed and the malocclusions statistically associated with the impact were included in models of unconditional multiple logistic regression.


RESULTS
The incisal crowding [OR 2.6 (95%CI 1.4-4.8)] (p = 0.002) and the anterior maxillary irregularity greater than 2 mm [OR 2.5 (95%CI 1.3-4.7)] (p = 0.006) had an impact on 'smiling, laughing and showing teeth without embarrassment'. An over-jet measure greater than 5 mm [OR 3.7 (95%CI 1.2-11.2)] (p = 0.021) had an impact on 'maintaining emotional state without being irritable'. The molar relationship did not have an impact.


CONCLUSIONS
Some types of malocclusions have an impact on quality of life, especially in terms of satisfaction with appearance.
Traebert
Eliane S A
ES
Public Health Department, Federal University of Santa Catariana, Brazil. jtraebert@unisul.br
Peres
Marco Aurélio
MA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005149:Facial Expression; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D007845:Laughter / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology; D009909:Oral Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012904:Smiling