Psychosocial implications of malocclusion: a 15-year follow-up study in 30-year-old Danes

Long-term psychosocial effects of malocclusion should be studied longitudinally from childhood to adulthood in orthodontically untreated populations. In 1965-66, the occurrence of morphologic traits of malocclusion was recorded in 977 Danish adolescents who had no access to organized orthodontic care. In a follow-up study 15 years later, a questionnaire was mailed to the subjects; this contained general questions about body image and specific inquiries concerning self-perception and social implications of dental appearance. The response rate was 86%. Ten percent had received orthodontic treatment. In the remaining individuals, only one entry among thirteen items of body image--the teeth--was rated significantly less satisfactory by subjects with malocclusion at adolescence than by subjects without malocclusion at adolescence. The lowest ratings were observed in subjects with extreme maxillary overjet, extreme deep bite, and crowding. Highly significant differences were found between the two groups (subjects with and without malocclusion) in recalling adolescent awareness of malocclusion, dissatisfaction with the appearance of the teeth, and unfavorable appearance of the teeth compared with those of peers. Schoolmates' teasing occurred seven times more often in the presence of malocclusion. Differences were less marked in the perceptions of the same individuals in adulthood. However, in both adolescence and adulthood unfavorable perceptions of the teeth were expressed significantly more often by subjects with extreme maxillary overjet, extreme deep bite, and crowding. No association was found between malocclusion and present occupational status. It was concluded that certain malocclusions, especially conspicuous occlusal and space anomalies, may adversely affect body image and self-concept, not only at adolescence but also in adulthood.