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Relationship between malocclusion and maintenance of teeth
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Malocclusion negatively impacts dental health maintenance in adults, primarily by reducing satisfaction with teeth. Addressing perceived malocclusion is crucial for long-term oral health and prioritizing orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Public Health
Background:
- Malocclusion, a condition of irregular teeth alignment, may affect long-term oral health maintenance.
- Understanding the link between malocclusion, patient satisfaction, and dental care behavior is essential for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct and indirect relationships between malocclusion and adult tooth maintenance.
- To assess the impact of perceived malocclusion and satisfaction on dental health behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A study of 499 Danish adults aged 35-44 years was conducted.
- Dental health was assessed through teeth present, attachment level, caries, plaque, and gingivitis.
- The influence of subjective malocclusion perception and satisfaction on dental maintenance was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Subjective satisfaction with teeth was significantly linked to better dental maintenance and positive dental visits.
- Perceived malocclusion negatively affected satisfaction, indirectly impacting overall tooth maintenance.
- Adults with malocclusion experienced poorer oral health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Public orthodontic services should consider subjective dissatisfaction and perceived need for treatment when prioritizing children.
- Addressing malocclusion can improve patient satisfaction and promote lifelong dental health maintenance.
- Early orthodontic intervention for malocclusion may prevent future oral health issues.