Preliminary study in the oral health related life quality of patients with bracketless appliance in the early stage of orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Objective To investigate the oral health related life quality of patients with bracketless appliance before treatment and in the early stage of treatment. To analyze the effect of bracketless appliance on the oral health related life quality of patients and provide reference to oral health instruction on patients before treatment. Methods In this study, 60 patients with bracketless appliance undergoing less than 3 aligners were chosen, and they were asked to fill in the Chinese version of oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) before treatment (T0) and at the first appointment (T) . Oral health related life quality of patients before treatment and in the early stage of treatment were compared. Results Scores of early stage of bracketless appliance treatment (T) and before treatment (T0) were compared by paired t test. Pronunciation (T0= 0.81, T= 2.68; t= 4.159, P= 0.0142) , taste (T0= 0.64, T= 1.60; t= 3.483, P= 0.0253) , obvious pain (T0= 0.52, T= 2.82; t= 6.388, P= 0.0031) , discomfort while eating (T0= 0.72, T= 1.79; t= 6.288, P= 0.0033) and interference with the rest (T0= 0.32, T= 1.34; t= 4.560, P= 0.0103) were statistical differences. Conclusions Oral health related life quality of patients in the early stage of treatment was negatively affected when compared with that before treatment, mainly in the limitation in oral function, pain and mental disorder. Oral health instruction was recommended before bracketless appliance treatment to preventively decrease the negative impact on the oral health related life quality of patients and elevate the compliance and motivation of patients. Key words: Orthodontic appliance, bracketless; Oral health; Quality of life; Health education