Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the presence of association between objective and subjective evaluation of orthodontic treatment needs in adolescents and their impact on their self-esteem.Methods: Cross-sectional study with adolescents aged 10-17 years old in Sri Ganganagar city, Rajasthan, India. The objective index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) dental health component (DHC) and the subjective aesthetic component (AC) were used to determine the normative and the self-perception need for orthodontic treatment, respectively. The selected students were further examined for dental trauma, tooth loss, and dental caries. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was applied for self-esteem level determination. Linear regression analysis was executed to test the individual association of different independent clinical variables with self-esteem scores. Results: Among 1,140 studied adolescents, the prevalence of dental normative orthodontic treatment need was in 56.9% of individuals, whereas 53.3% of individuals considered themselves as needy for the treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed that out of all dental disorders, DHC followed by AC of IOTN had maximum impact on the self-esteem of the adolescence. Conclusions: Dissatisfaction with dental appearance is a strong predictor for low self-esteem in adolescence.
Highlights
One-fifth of the world’s population is adolescent
Individuals are extremely concerned with their appearance and are in a need to improve their appearance and social attractiveness
Facial attractiveness plays a major role in the socialization, and adolescents with a normal dental appearance are often judged to be better-looking and more desirable among friends.[3]
Summary
One-fifth of the world’s population is adolescent. This term is defined as a person between 10 and 19 years old by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).[1] In the adolescence stage, individuals undergo extensive physical, psychological, emotional, and personality transformations, which determine an identity that will influence their future.[2] During this period, individuals are extremely concerned with their appearance and are in a need to improve their appearance and social attractiveness. A smile is one of the most effective measures by which people convey their emotions and, a beautiful smile is an added asset to a beautiful face.[4] As adolescents are very sensitive about their facial aesthetics, malocclusion can often lead to a conscious effort to hide or avoid their smile, lowering their self-confidence. It is assumed that having a harmonious smile may increase levels of self-esteem in adolescents and, their ability to interact appropriately in society.[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
