Relationship between aesthetic concern and self-esteem in adolescents with severe malocclusion

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between aesthetic concern and self-esteem in adolescents with severe malocclusion. Methods A cross-sectional study developed with 543 adolescents from 11 to 13 years of age and severe malocclusion was selected. Dental aesthetic index (DAI) diagnosed the malocclusion and selected the groups with greater severity (DAI 3 and 4). Aesthetic concern was assessed using the oral aesthetic subjective impact scale (OASIS) and considered an outcome variable. The global negative self-evaluation (GSE) evaluated self-esteem. The variables were analysed using Poisson multiple regression and the model adjustment determined by the Akaike information criterion (AICC). The effect of each variable on OASIS was expressed as a prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals. The analyses were performed using the R program with a significance level of 5%. Results A significant association was observed between aesthetic concern scores and self-esteem (p<.05). Individuals with low self-esteem had OASIS scores 14% higher (PR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08–1.21). There was no significant association between OASIS and gender and age (p>.05). Conclusions Self-esteem modulates how the individual perceives malocclusion. Adolescents with severe and very malocclusion and low self-esteem have greater aesthetic concerns.