The impact of orthodontic treatment on quality of life and self-esteem in adult patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of fixed orthodontic treatment on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-esteem in adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study design was applied, within private practice. Sample size estimation revealed a minimum of 52 subjects, allowing for drop outs. All participants completed a set of validated questionnaires at baseline (T0), 1- (T1), 3- (T2), and 6-months (T3) and post-treatment (T4). These included the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and a socioeconomic status questionnaire. The Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to assess malocclusion severity. RESULTS: Sixty-one subjects were recruited, with only one subject lost to follow-up. A statistically significant difference in OHRQoL scores was seen between: T0 and T1 (P = 0.001); T0 and T2 (P = 0.020). There was no statistical difference between T0 and T3 (P = 0.078) or T4 (P = 0.565), where OHRQoL improved to pre-treatment scores. A significant difference in self-esteem scores was observed between baseline and end of treatment (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy had a negative impact on the overall OHRQoL, during the first 3 months of treatment, which then improved to pre-treatment scores, whilst a significant increase was observed in self-esteem as a result of treatment.