Effect of separate malocclusion traits on concern for dental appearance

Area of Science:

• Dental Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Malocclusion, or poor teeth alignment, can affect an individual's self-perception and social interactions.
• Understanding the specific traits of malocclusion that influence concerns about dental appearance is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify which specific malocclusion traits are most strongly associated with concerns about dental appearance.
• To investigate potential sex differences in the relationship between malocclusion traits and dental appearance concerns.

Main Methods:

• A 15-year follow-up study involving 841 30-year-old Danes.
• Multiple regression analysis was used to correlate clinically recorded malocclusion traits from adolescence with self-reported concerns about dental appearance.
• A questionnaire assessed recalled perceptions and societal reactions regarding dental appearance during adolescence.

Main Results:

• Conspicuous malocclusion traits in the anterior dentition showed the strongest association with concerns about dental appearance in both sexes.
• Significant associations were observed more frequently in women, with generally higher regression coefficients compared to men.
• The developed regression model explained approximately half of the variation in concerns about dental appearance.

Conclusions:

• The visibility and location of malocclusion traits are key determinants of dental appearance concerns.
• Women appear to be more sensitive to the impact of malocclusion on their dental appearance concerns than men.
• Clinical assessment of malocclusion should consider the potential psychological and social impact, particularly concerning anterior dental aesthetics.