The Impact of Orthodontic Appliance on Body Weight Changes, Dietary Habits, and Self-Perceived Discomfort in Early Stages of Orthodontic Treatment

Nancy Ajwa,Hajer Alkhumayes,Samiah Alqutub,Alanoud Alsaadoun,Lamya Makhdoum,Hadeel Alkhateeb

doi:10.5539/gjhs.v10n9p11

Abstract

AIMS: To assess and compare the changes in body weight, dietary habits, and pain perception of patient’s undergoing orthodontic treatment at the initial stage.MATERIAL &amp; METHODS: This was an observational prospective cohort study to assess patient’s changes in body weight, dietary habits, and pain perception undergoing orthodontic treatment at the initial stage. Thirty patients who received orthodontic treatment “for the first time” and those who will get comprehensive orthodontic treatment within the age group of 18-30 years old including both genders were included in the study. The weight as well as dietary habits of patients were measured at the initial visit, “prior reserving of any the orthodontic treatment” as (T0). Re-evaluation of patient’s weight, dietary habits, and pain perception were re-assessed on the next visit” after fixed orthodontic appliance bonding” as (T1) one month later. The pain, discomfort, and dietary habits changes were evaluated using a validated questionnaire.RESULTS: The mean (SD) patient weight at first and second visit of orthodontic treatment was 67.43 (24.42) and 64.98 (22.7) kg respectively. The difference in the patient weight between first and second visit was statistically significant. Patients with discomfort and patients who used medication to relieve pain were reported to have more weight loss.CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the initial loss of weight, pain and discomfort among patients who undergo orthodontic treatments. The findings of this study are of importance among the orthodontic centres and practitioners highlighting the importance of their guidance in structured diet planning and advice after treatment.

Highlights

Patient seeking orthodontic treatment usually to improve facial or dental aesthetic (Borzabadi-Farahani, 2011)
This study confirms the initial loss of weight, pain and discomfort among patients who undergo orthodontic treatments
Upon obtaining the ethical approval of Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Riyadh Elm University and signature of a consent form, this study was conducted as an observational prospective cohort study to assess patients’ changes in body weight, dietary habits, and pain perception undergoing orthodontic treatment at the initial stage attending to orthodontic department clinics at Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Summary

Introduction

Patient seeking orthodontic treatment usually to improve facial or dental aesthetic (Borzabadi-Farahani, 2011). Patients usually experience pain and discomfort 4 hours after orthodontic appliance insertion, reaching the peak between 12 hours and 3 days after insertion, and gradually decrease for up to 7 days (Johal, Fleming, & Al Jawad, 2014; Polat, 2007). Studies have shown that orthodontic treatment has a potential impact on patients’ daily life and may change or restrict their dietary habits (Scheurer, Firestone, & Bürgin, 1996). This is because chewing and swallowing hard foods can be difficult for patients, and the masticatory ability is reduced at the first 24 hours after insertion of the fixed appliance. After 4 to 6 weeks masticatory ability is expected to return to its baseline

Methods

Results

Conclusion