Does orthodontic treatment need have an impact on oral health-related quality of life?

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impairment in anational representative sample of 8 to 9year olds in Germany and to evaluate the impact of orthodontic treatment need. Data were collected in the Sixth German Oral Health Study (Sechste Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudie, DMS6) and subjects were sampled using amultistage sampling technique. OHRQoL was measured with amodified version of the 5‑item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) which was administered in acomputer-assisted personal interview. Children were also examined for malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need. In all, 1892children aged 8-9years were invited to take part. Finally, data of 705children (48.6% female) could be included in the analysis. The OHIP‑5 mean was 1.3 (±2.0). There was no relevant influence from age and gender on the OHIP‑5 summary scores (r < 0.10), but the summary scores differed when analyzed separately regarding orthodontic treatment need or no orthodontic treatment need (1.5 ± 2.0 vs. 1.2 ± 1.9, p = 0.020). Nevertheless, the level appears to be low. Malocclusions with orthodontic treatment need have an influence on OHRQoL.