A qualitative study of the influence of poor dental aesthetics on the lives of young adults.
OBJECTIVE
Although many countries offer some publicly funded orthodontic treatment for children, not all conditions receive treatment and some adolescents enter adulthood with persisting poor dental aesthetics or malocclusions. The aim of this study was to generate a theory highlighting the main concerns of young adults, either native-born or of immigrant background, with poor dental aesthetics and the measures they adopt to manage their condition in everyday life.


METHODS
A qualitative method, classic grounded theory, was applied in order to generate a substantive theory highlighting the main concerns and managing mechanisms of 13 strategically selected 19- and 20-year-olds with poor dental aesthetics. Open interviews were conducted with each participant, the topics covering different aspects of social and dental conditions.


RESULTS
A core category and three conceptual categories were generated. The core category was labelled "Being under the pressure of social norms" and was related to categories explaining three different ways in which these young adults handle their main concern: (1) avoiding showing their teeth; (2) minimizing the importance of appearance; and (3) seeking orthodontic treatment. The theory offers the potential for improved understanding of young adults who, despite poor dental aesthetics, are managing well with life, and also of those who have not adjusted well.


CONCLUSIONS
In early adolescence it may be problematic to make decisions about orthodontic treatment. Undisclosed dental fear can be an important barrier. Some of the young adults in the present study would probably benefit from treatment.
Josefsson
Eva
E
Department of Orthodontics, The Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education, Jönköping, Sweden. eva.m.josefsson@lj.se
Lindsten
Rune
R
Hallberg
Lillemor R-M
LR
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001504:Beauty; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012928:Social Desirability; D012931:Social Environment; D055815:Young Adult