Psychosocial impact of dental esthetics on quality of life in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that several dimensions of the self-perceived psychosocial impacts of dental esthetics are not associated with grades of malocclusion, oral health-related quality-of-life measures, and body self-image in adolescents.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 301 adolescents (mean age 16.1 +/- 1.8 years, 58.1% female subjects). Demographic data were collected and dental conditions were assessed. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used for assessment of malocclusion and determination of orthodontic treatment needs. The short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS) were used to measure adolescents' self-perceived variables.


RESULTS
All variables (DAI, OHIP-14, and BSS) were correlated with PIDAQ (P < .001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations (P < .001) of independent variables with the total score of PIDAQ (R(2) = 0.29) and dental self-confidence (R(2) = 0.30), social impact (R(2) = 0.14), psychological impact (R(2) = 0.23), and esthetic concern (R(2) = 0.13).


CONCLUSIONS
The hypothesis is rejected. A broad range of adolescents' self-perceived impact of dental esthetics is influenced by severity of malocclusion, oral health-related quality of life, and body satisfaction.
de Paula Júnior
Delcides F
DF
School of Dentistry, Federal University of Goias, Goias, Brazil.
Santos
Nádia C M
NC
da Silva
Erica T
ET
Nunes
Mariade Fátima
MF
Leles
Cláudio R
CR
D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009909:Oral Health; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult