Effect of orthodontic treatments on quality of life in adolescents

BACKGROUND and AIM: Dental problems and oral diseases can have their own effects on social-psychological aspects, physical conditions, as well as quality of life (QOL) in individuals. In this regard, malocclusion can influence functional, socio-economic, and psychological aspects in patients. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of orthodontic treatments on QOL. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 65 patients with malocclusion selected through simple convenience sampling method. The data were collected via a demographic characteristics information form and 22-item Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) in 4 domains (social aspects, dentofacial aesthetics, oral functions, and awareness of dentofacial aesthetics) before treatment, six months after treatment, and at the end of treatment. The data were then analyzed using SPSS software and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. The P-value was considered at a 0.0500 significance level. RESULTS: In the present study, 73.8% of the patients were women. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the age of the study participants was also equal to 18.79 ± 7.35 years. As well, the mean and SD scores of the questionnaire before treatment, six months after treatment, and at the end of treatment were reported as 14.71 ± 11.37, 18.05 ± 12.12, and 12.07 ± 8.13, respectively. No significant correlation was also observed between gender and QOL. In addition, QOL had significantly degraded six months after treatment. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between QOL at pre- and post-treatment stages. CONCLUSION: Based on the finding of the present study, OQLQ was reported significantly poorer six months after treatment compared to that before treatment. Orthodontic treatment could also significantly boost QOL. Finally, it was recommended to consider QOL in orthodontic treatments.