Patient satisfaction with current dental condition related to self-concept and dental status

Structured interviews were administered to 168 male veterans from five locations to examine the relationship between attitudes toward dental esthetics, age, self-concept, and dental status. Results indicate the following. 1. Subjects who had a more positive self-concept rated their current dental condition higher. 2. Veterans who use dentures do not have a lower self-concept than those who have remaining natural teeth and feel more positively about their dental appearance. 3. Among the sample studied, dental appearance was considered less important than function or comfort. 4. Diminished self-concept is not associated with greater concern for dental esthetics.