Self-evaluation of dentofacial esthetics in skeletal malocclusion patients

Abstract

Objective To investigate the difference between the self-evaluation of patients with dental and facial esthetics in skeletal malocclusion and normal persons.Methods The subjects were divided into three groups:62 patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ,84 patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ,as well as 130 persons in control group.There was no obvious difference in gender and age among the three groups.Happiness with dental and facial appearance was assessed using questionnaires.Analysis of variance,linear regression and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results Skeletal malocclusion patients were less happy with their dental appearance than control group.Class Ⅱ patients and women had lower happiness scores for their dental appearance.Among skeletal malocclusion patients,the shape (44.5 ％) and prominence of their teeth (17.8 ％) were the most frequent causes of concern.Older subjects,women,and skeletal malocclusion patients were less happy with their facial appearance.Most of them were dissatisfied with the facial appearance focused on the chin (53 ％),facial contours (37 ％),and the position of the teeth when smiling (33 ％).A greater proportion of Class Ⅲ subjects than Class Ⅱ subjects wished to change their appearance.Conclusions The findings indicate that women and skeletal malocclusion patients have lower levels of happiness with their dentofacial appearance.Although Class Ⅱ patients exhibit the lowest levels of happiness with their dental appearance,there is some evidence that concerns and awareness about their facial profile are more pronounced among the Class Ⅲ patients. Key words: Skeletal malocclusion; Dentofacial esthetics; Self-evaluation