Factors associated with the impact of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment on the oral health-related quality of life of adolescents: Assessment using a condition-specific instrument.

Abstract

Oral outcomes may have an impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with the impact of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adolescents. Individuals aged 10 to 18 years undergoing orthodontic treatment were included. Data regarding adolescents' sex and age, parental schooling, family income, and number of individuals who depend on income were collected. Clinical variables, orthodontic tooth extraction and malocclusion severity were also analyzed. OHRQoL was assessed with a questionnaire with items distributed across nine domains: aesthetics, functional limitation, diet, hygiene, maintenance, physical impact, social impact, time constraints, and transport/cost inconveniences. The higher the score, the more negative the adolescent's perception of his/her OHRQoL. Statistical analysis was performed. Seventy-five adolescents participated. Individuals aged ≤12 years had a more negative perception of the diet domain (p=0.026). Individuals whose parents/guardians had ≥8 years of schooling had a more negative perception of the impact on the hygiene domain (p<0.024). Individuals whose families had an income of ≤2 salaries had a more negative perception of the maintenance domain (p=0.016). Girls had a more negative perception of the physical impact domain (p<0.018). Girls (p=0.011), adolescents whose families had an income of ≤2 salaries (p=0.003), and adolescents who had severe malocclusion (p=0.026) had a more negative perception of the transport/cost inconveniences domain. Girls had a significantly higher overall score in response to the questionnaire than boys (p=0.041). Adolescents' sex, age, and malocclusion as well as parental education and family income were associated with the impact of orthodontic treatment on adolescents' OHRQoL. Key words:Adolescent, Quality of life, Orthodontic treatment, Fixed appliance.