Researchers have investigated whether changes in malocclusion from adolescence to adulthood are associated with long-term psychosocial outcomes.
Dental malocclusions can affect social acceptance and perceptions of physical appearance. While previous studies have shown that malocclusions may negatively impact psychological well-being in children, there is limited longitudinal research examining these effects in adults, especially when accounting for factors like personality traits and dental health.
In a longitudinal study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, researchers analyzed data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, which followed 1,037 individuals born between April 1, 1972, and March 31, 1973. The study used data collected periodically, focusing on ages 15 and 45 years. Malocclusion data were available for 868 participants in adolescence and 834 at age 45.
The Dental Aesthetic Index was used to assess malocclusion severity based on weighted occlusal traits. Other data collected included personality traits, clinically assessed oral health, self-rated dental appearance, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), and overall life satisfaction.
Key findings showed that 46.6% of participants who received orthodontic treatment for severe handicapping malocclusion at age 15 had resolved to mild-moderate malocclusion by age 45, compared to only 16.2% of those untreated. Incident and persistent malocclusion between adolescence and adulthood were associated with worse self-rated dental appearance and impacts on OHRQOL domains of functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and physical disability at age 45, even after adjusting for potential confounders.
Socioeconomic inequalities in malocclusion emerged by adulthood, with 41.3% of low SES participants affected by handicapping malocclusion, compared to 13.6% of high SES participants. The study did not find an association between malocclusion and overall life satisfaction after controlling for confounding factors.
The authors concluded that the benefits of orthodontic treatment may diminish by midlife unless good dental health is maintained and chronic oral conditions leading to tooth loss are avoided. They stated, "Orthodontists have a responsibility to raise awareness among their patients on how to maintain good oral health after orthodontic treatment."
No conflicts of interest were disclosed.
