Can malocclusion affect psychological health?

Investigators have explored whether changes in malocclusion from adolescence to adulthood could be connected to psychological health.

In a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the investigators analyzed the data of 868 adolescent patients and 834 patients aged 45 years — including their personality traits, health, development, dental examinations, malocclusion severity, clinically assessed oral health, self-rated dental appearance, oral health-related quality of life and overall satisfaction.

The investigators found that less than 50% of the patients who received orthodontic treatment for severe handicapping malocclusion at the age of 15 years experienced resolved malocclusion at the age of 45 years compared with less than 20% of those who didn’t receive orthodontic treatment.

Further, the patients who had worse malocclusion reported experiencing poorer self-rated dental appearance and oral health-related quality of life associated with functional limitations, psychological discomfort and physical disability at the age of 45 years. The investigators reported no correlations between malocclusion and overall life satisfaction.

The investigators concluded that the benefits of orthodontic treatment may decline by the age of 45 years unless patients maintain optimal dental health and avoid chronic oral conditions that could lead to tooth loss. Orthodontists were advised to inform their patients about achieving excellent oral health throughout life.

Read more: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

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