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Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Malocclusion: social, functional and emotional influence on children
P A Martins-Júnior1, L S Marques, M L Ramos-Jorge
1Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri--UFVJM, Diamantina-MG, Brazil.
Malocclusions negatively impact children's quality of life, with more severe dental issues causing greater social, emotional, and functional problems. This study highlights the importance of addressing malocclusion in pediatric dental care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Public Health
Background:
- Malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, is a common dental issue in children.
- The impact of malocclusion on a child's quality of life is not fully understood.
- Early assessment of dental aesthetics and function is crucial for pediatric well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between malocclusion types and quality of life in 8-10-year-old children.
- To correlate malocclusion severity with psychosocial variables.
- To identify specific malocclusion characteristics affecting children's well-being.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 102 schoolchildren aged 8-10 years was examined.
- Malocclusion presence and severity were assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).
- Quality of life was measured using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10), with statistical analysis including chi-square and Spearman correlation tests.
Main Results:
- Malocclusions were present in 61% of the children.
- A significant positive correlation was found between overall quality of life scores (CPQ8-10) and malocclusion severity (DAI scores, P=0.034).
- Upper anterior irregularity, anterior open bite, and diastema (all >= 2 mm) significantly impacted children's quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Malocclusions exert a negative influence on the quality of life for children aged 8-10.
- Increased severity of malocclusion correlates with greater negative impacts on social, emotional, and functional aspects.
- Orthodontic intervention for malocclusion may improve children's overall well-being and psychosocial adjustment.
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