Impact of orthodontic treatment and psychological parameters on oral health related quality of life of children in Middle Eastern country

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in adolescents aged 11-14 years-old during orthodontic therapy and 18 months after the start of treatment and the possible role of psychological parameters. Sixty patients were recruited, and data were collected using self-administrated questionnaires and intraoral clinical examinations. The questionnaires included sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender), the Lebanese version of the Child Perception Questionnaire between 11 and 14 years CPQ11-14 to assess the OHRQoL, the Discrepancy Aesthetic Index (DAI) for malocclusion, and the Child Health Questionnaire «CHQ-CF87» to appraise Self-Esteem (SE) and Psychological Well-Being (PWB). The mean scores of CPQ11-14 and its four subdomains were significantly better for participants with high SE /PWB compared to those with low SE / PWB at baseline. These same scores improved significantly during orthodontic treatment (p <0.001). However, DAI was significantly better in patients with low self-esteem and psychological well-being. Our findings showed improvement in oral health perception and psychologic parameters during orthodontic treatment. Investigators should consider the need to control the psychological parameters of patients when assessing orthodontic treatment need and improvement in OHRQoL during orthodontic treatment.