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Impact of facial profile on young adults’ oral health-related quality-of-life item levels: A hierarchical analysis

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To assess the impact of facial profile on young adults’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) item levels.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 205 young adults, with a mean age of 23.1 years. The individuals answered questions about OHRQoL (OHIP-14) and self-esteem (Global Negative Self-Evaluation). The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to evaluate normative orthodontic treatment needs and define dental malocclusion clinically. Facial profile was analyzed using photographs and dichotomized into two levels: normal (straight) and altered facial profile (convex or concave). A calibrated researcher performed the clinical examination. Association between the independent variables and the outcome (OHRQoL) was established by hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis for each item level. Considering the variable of interest (facial profile), the psychological incapacity domain was the most affected item.

Results:

Individuals with changed facial profile had 2.47 (1.04-5.85) times higher chances of reporting impacts on psychological incapacity than those with a normal profile (p> 0.05). The association was modulated by dental malocclusion and self-esteem.

Conclusions:

The convex and concave facial profile showed a negative impact on the psychological aspects of young adults’ quality of life.

Keywords:
Oral health related quality of life; Malocclusion; Orthodontic treatment need; Facial profile

RESUMO

Objetivo:

Avaliar o impacto do perfil facial nos domínios da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) de jovens adultos.

Métodos:

Estudo observacional transversal realizado com 205 jovens adultos, com idade média de 23,1 anos. Os indivíduos responderam questões sobre QVRSB (OHIP-14) e autoestima (Global Negative Self-Evaluation). O Componente de Saúde Bucal (DHC) do Índice de Necessidade de Tratamento Ortodôntico (IOTN) avaliou as necessidades normativas de tratamento ortodôntico e definiu clinicamente a má oclusão dentária. O perfil facial foi analisado por meio de fotografias e dicotomizado em dois níveis: perfil facial normal (reto) e perfil facial alterado (convexo ou côncavo). Um pesquisador calibrado realizou os exames clínicos. A associação entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho (QVRSB) foi determinada pela análise de regressão linear múltipla hierarquizada para cada domínio do OHIP-14. Considerando a variável de interesse (perfil facial), o domínio incapacidade psicológica foi o item mais afetado.

Resultados:

Indivíduos com perfil facial alterado tiveram 2,47 (1,04-5,85) vezes mais chances de relatar impacto na incapacidade psicológica do que aqueles com perfil normal (p > 0,05). A associação foi modulada pela má oclusão dentária e a autoestima.

Conclusões:

O perfil facial alterado (convexo ou côncavo) apresentou impacto negativo nos aspectos psicológicos da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal de adultos jovens.

Palavras-chave:
Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal; Má oclusão; Necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico; Perfil facial

INTRODUCTION

Clinical orthodontic diagnosis frequently ignores the psychosocial conditions perceived by individuals.11 Chakradhar K, Doshi D, Kulkarni S, Reddy BS, Reddy S, Srilatha A. Self perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among young adults: a cross sectional questionnaire study. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2017 Nov 23;32(3). Although the normative evaluation is essential, self-perception provides important information about the impact of malocclusion on an individual’s life.11 Chakradhar K, Doshi D, Kulkarni S, Reddy BS, Reddy S, Srilatha A. Self perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among young adults: a cross sectional questionnaire study. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2017 Nov 23;32(3).

2 Dos Santos PR, Meneghim MC, Ambrosano GM, Filho MV, Vedovello SA. Influence of quality of life, self-perception, and self-esteem on orthodontic treatment need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Jan;151(1):143-7.
-33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8. In this context, self-perception is related to psychosocial well-being and may impact the quality of life.11 Chakradhar K, Doshi D, Kulkarni S, Reddy BS, Reddy S, Srilatha A. Self perceived psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among young adults: a cross sectional questionnaire study. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2017 Nov 23;32(3).,33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8.,44 Isiekwe GI, Sofola OO, Onigbogi OO, Utomi IL, Sanu OO, da Costa OO. Dental esthetics and oral health-related quality of life in young adults. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Oct;150(4):627-36. Furthermore, individuals with a negative perception of their esthetic appearance have lower self-esteem22 Dos Santos PR, Meneghim MC, Ambrosano GM, Filho MV, Vedovello SA. Influence of quality of life, self-perception, and self-esteem on orthodontic treatment need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Jan;151(1):143-7.,33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8. and lower oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)44 Isiekwe GI, Sofola OO, Onigbogi OO, Utomi IL, Sanu OO, da Costa OO. Dental esthetics and oral health-related quality of life in young adults. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Oct;150(4):627-36.

5 Kragt L, Dhamo B, Wolvius EB, Ongkosuwito EM. The impact of malocclusions on oral health-related quality of life in children-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2016 Nov;20(8):1881-94.
-66 Sun L, Wong HM, McGrath CP. Relationship between the severity of malocclusion and oral health related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2017;15(6):503-17. than those who consider themselves attractive. Self-esteem is determined by a set of factors including occlusal balance and an attractive facial profile.22 Dos Santos PR, Meneghim MC, Ambrosano GM, Filho MV, Vedovello SA. Influence of quality of life, self-perception, and self-esteem on orthodontic treatment need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Jan;151(1):143-7.,33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8. However, the studies carried out to date are based on dental aesthetics and generally do not assess the impact of the facial profile in this context.

The impact of malocclusion on the OHRQoL is considered a controversial topic because some studies have confirmed77 Hassan AH, Hobani NM, Almokri SM, Almokri NM, Alotibi FG, Alshouibi EN. Effect of anterior crowding or spacing on oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2018 Mar 27;12:461-5.,88 Ghijselings I, Brosens V, Willems G, Fieuws S, Clijmans M, Lemiere J. Normative and self-perceived orthodontic treatment need in 11- to 16-year-old children. Eur J Orthod. 2014 Apr;36(2):179-85. and others have denied association between them.33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8. Nevertheless, it should be highlighted that malocclusion has been evaluated based on occlusion indicators. If we consider that the desire for a better physical appearance is the reason most frequently reported by individuals seeking orthodontic treatment,33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8.,88 Ghijselings I, Brosens V, Willems G, Fieuws S, Clijmans M, Lemiere J. Normative and self-perceived orthodontic treatment need in 11- to 16-year-old children. Eur J Orthod. 2014 Apr;36(2):179-85.

9 Lin F, Ren M, Yao L, He Y, Guo J, Ye Q. Psychosocial impact of dental esthetics regulates motivation to seek orthodontic treatment. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Sep;150(3):476-82.
-1010 Yi S, Zhang C, Ni C, Qian Y, Zhang J. Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and desire for orthodontic treatment among Chinese undergraduate students. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016 Jun 8;10:1037-42. the face must be considered a significant predictor of patients’ expectations of treatment outcomes. However, there are no studies about the impact of skeletal changes reflected in the facial profile on young adults’ OHRQoL. In addition, according to the literature,1111 Choi ES, Ryu JI, Patton LL, Kim HY. Item level analysis of the relationship between orthodontic treatment need and oral health-related quality of life in Korean schoolchildren. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2019 Mar;155(3):355-61. because studies reporting item levels comparisons between OHRQoL and malocclusion are scarce, which physical and psychological health items have a stronger influence on orthodontic treatment needs remains unclear, and generalizations can be made based only on limited studies.

Thus, considering the hypothesis that the face is an important factor in the evaluation of aesthetic concern, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of facial profile on young adults’ OHRQoL item levels. The assessment was performed on the item level analysis of OHRQoL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

STUDY DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, AND SAMPLE SIZE

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 205 young adults. The minimum sample was calculated assuming a test power of 80%, level of significance of 5%, and an effect size of 1.8. The finite population was used by considering prevalence of 50% of OHRQoL.33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8.,44 Isiekwe GI, Sofola OO, Onigbogi OO, Utomi IL, Sanu OO, da Costa OO. Dental esthetics and oral health-related quality of life in young adults. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Oct;150(4):627-36. The sample included young Brazilian adults of both sexes, aged between 18 and 35 years, with an average age of 23.1 years (SD 1.02). The study included only white individuals, due to differences in facial profile between ethnicities. The evaluation was carried out by the investigator. Current or previous orthodontic treatment, systemic diseases, cleft lip, and/or palate syndromes were exclusion criteria. Data collection was performed between August and November 2018. This study received approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee (Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, #74585417.3.0000.5385).

STUDY INSTRUMENTS

The questionnaires were self-administered at the time of data collection. The individuals answered questions about OHRQoL and self-esteem.

The outcome variable was OHRQoL at an item level. The Brazilian version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14),1212 Slade GD. Derivation and validation of a short-form oral health impact profile. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 1997 Aug;25(4):284-90.,1313 Oliveira BH, Nadanovsky P. Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-short form. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2005 Aug;33(4):307-14. was used to evaluate the impact on OHRQoL. The OHIP-14 comprises 14 questions in seven domains with two items each: (1) functional limitation; (2) physical pain; (3) psychological discomfort; (4) physical incapacity; (5) psychological incapacity; (6) social incapacity, and (7) social disadvantage. Each response received a score: 0 corresponded to never, 1 = rarely, 2 = sometimes, 3 = repeatedly, and 4 = always. The questionnaire score was obtained by the sum of scores, and could vary from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating negative impacts on quality of life. The result of each item level was dichotomized by the median. A score of 2 or less on two questions of each item level indicated absence of impact, and a score higher than 2 indicated an impact on the quality of life.44 Isiekwe GI, Sofola OO, Onigbogi OO, Utomi IL, Sanu OO, da Costa OO. Dental esthetics and oral health-related quality of life in young adults. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Oct;150(4):627-36.

The Global Negative Self-Evaluation (GSE)1414 Alsaker FD, Olweus D. Assessment of global negative self-evaluations and perceived stability of self in Norwegian preadolescents and adolescents. J Early Adolesc.1986;6:269-78. was used to evaluate self-esteem. The GSE consists of a scale with six items; each item has six possible responses that are quantified in increasing order (1 to 6), according to their disposition in the scale. Thus, to rank self-esteem, the sum of all the responses is divided by six to obtain the value of individual self-esteem in four categories: 1-1.69, very little negative self-assessment; 1.7-2.69, little negative self-assessment; 2.7-3.99, some negative self-assessment; 4.0-6.0, very negative self-assessment. The individuals were ranked as having high (values < 2.69) or low (values > 2.7) self-esteem.22 Dos Santos PR, Meneghim MC, Ambrosano GM, Filho MV, Vedovello SA. Influence of quality of life, self-perception, and self-esteem on orthodontic treatment need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Jan;151(1):143-7.

FACIAL AND CLINICAL MEASURES

All participants had standardized clinical examinations, including intraoral occlusal measurements and clinical photographs.

Dental malocclusion was evaluated by means of the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN-DHC).1515 Brook PH, Shaw WC. The development of an index of orthodontic treatment priority. Eur J Orthod. 1989 Aug;11(3):309-20. The clinical exam was performed with a disposable lip retractor with the patient in a seated position in a room with natural lighting. By means of a scale of five grades in ascending order, the IOTN-DHC is used to assess: crowding, missing teeth (including congenital absence and impacted teeth), overjet (positive or negative), anterior or posterior crossbite, overbite, and anterior or posterior open bite. All the conditions were evaluated, and only the most severe were used as a basis for determining treatment need. For data analysis, normative orthodontic treatment need was dichotomized into IOTN-DHC grades: grades 1 to 2, without dental malocclusion or orthodontic treatment need; and grades 3 to 5, with malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need.1515 Brook PH, Shaw WC. The development of an index of orthodontic treatment priority. Eur J Orthod. 1989 Aug;11(3):309-20.

Facial profile photographs were obtained in a standardized way, considering the distance between each volunteer and the camera. The photos were taken using a SLR D7000 camera (Nikon do Brazil Ltda.), with Nikon 18-200 mm VR f/3.5-5.6G II lens (Nikon do Brazil Ltda).1616 Kanavakis G, Krooks L, Lähdesmäki R, Pirttiniemi P. Influence of overjet and overbite on soft tissue profile in mature adults: a cross-sectional population study. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2019 Jan;155(1):57-63.e3. The camera was positioned parallel to the ground on a leveled tripod. The individuals sat on a chair next to a white wall and were instructed to look straight ahead at a horizontal line in the natural position of the head1717 Cassi D, De Biase C, Tonni I, Gandolfini M, Di Blasio A, Piancino MG. Natural position of the head: review of two-dimensional and three-dimensional methods of recording. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2016 Apr;54(3):233-40., and then the profile photograph was taken. This procedure was adopted for all the study participants. In the photographs, an angle of convexity of the facial profile (G.Sn-Pog’, G = Glabella point; Sn = Subnasal point; Pog’ = Soft tissue pogonion point) was traced using Photoshop software (CS 8.0.1; Adobe Systems, San Jose, California). The individuals were classified as having straight, convex, or concave profiles, according to the soft tissue analysis.1818 Steiner C.C, Cephalometric for you and me. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1958 Oct;39(10):729-55.

19 Jacobson A. Radiographic cephalometry: from basics to video imaging. Hanover Park: Quintessence; 1995.

20 Eslami N, Omidkhoda M, Shafaee H, Mozhdehifard M. Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male adolescents and adults with different profiles. J Orthod Sci. 2016 Apr-Jun;5(2):47-51.
-2121 Scavone H, Zahn-Silva W, do Valle-Corotti KM, Nahás AC. Soft tissue profile in white Brazilian adults with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces. Angle Orthod. 2008 Jan;78(1):58-63. A convexity angle of 8-16° indicated a straight profile, while an increase or decrease of the angle indicated a convex or concave profile, respectively.1818 Steiner C.C, Cephalometric for you and me. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1958 Oct;39(10):729-55.

19 Jacobson A. Radiographic cephalometry: from basics to video imaging. Hanover Park: Quintessence; 1995.

20 Eslami N, Omidkhoda M, Shafaee H, Mozhdehifard M. Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male adolescents and adults with different profiles. J Orthod Sci. 2016 Apr-Jun;5(2):47-51.
-2121 Scavone H, Zahn-Silva W, do Valle-Corotti KM, Nahás AC. Soft tissue profile in white Brazilian adults with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces. Angle Orthod. 2008 Jan;78(1):58-63. As a methodological criterion, individuals were classified into two categories: with a normal facial profile (straight profile) or with an altered facial profile (convex or concave profile).2020 Eslami N, Omidkhoda M, Shafaee H, Mozhdehifard M. Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male adolescents and adults with different profiles. J Orthod Sci. 2016 Apr-Jun;5(2):47-51.,2222 Dallé H, Vedovello SAS, Degan VV, De Godoi APT, Custódio W, de Menezes CC. Malocclusion, facial and psychological predictors of quality of life in adolescents. Community Dent Health. 2019 Nov 28;36(4):298-302.

CALIBRATION

The clinical oral examination was performed by one researcher who was properly calibrated and had epidemiological experience and orthodontic knowledge. The consistency of intra-examiner agreement was assessed by weighted Kappa, obtaining a value of 0.94. The method error for assessing facial profiles was verified in 30% of the sample using random selection after a 30-day interval. The random errors were calculated according to Dahlberg’s formula2323 Dahlberg G. Statistical methods for medical and biological students. New York: Interscience; 1940. and the systematic errors were evaluated with dependent t-tests (p< 0.05) to allow verification of the absence of significant difference.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The data were analyzed initially by frequency distribution tables. Simple logistic regression models were constructed for the independent variables and each item level of the OHIP-14 as the outcome. Subsequently, hierarchical multiple logistic models were estimated considering the following hierarchy: block 1 (sex), block 2 (orthodontic treatment need and facial profile), and block 3 (self-esteem), according to Figure 1.

Figure 1:
Hierarchical multiple logistic models flowchart.

The variables with p< 0.20 in each block were tested in multiple regression models, and those with p≤ 0.10 remained in the model after adjustment for the variables in the same block and previous block. By means of the regression models, the raw and adjusted odds ratios were estimated with confidence intervals of 95%. Analyses were performed with the R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria).

RESULTS

The population of this study was composed of 205 young adults with a mean age (±SD) of 23.1 ± 1.02 years. Table 1 shows the frequency of distribution relative to OHIP-14 item levels, considering the variables analyzed. Higher frequencies were observed in the physical pain and psychological discomfort domains.

Table 1:
Individuals with impact on oral health-related quality-of-life item levels considering the studied characteristics.

Table 2 shows the analysis of association between the independent variables and presence of impact on each item level of the OHIP-14. Considering the variable of interest (facial profile), psychological incapacity was the item level most affected. Individuals with facial profile convex/or concave had a 2.47 (1.04-5.85) times higher chance of reporting impacts on psychological incapacity than those with straight profile.

Table 2:
Association between the independent variables and presence of impact on oral health- related quality-of-life item levels.

On the other hand, the association was modulated by dental malocclusion and self-esteem. Individuals with dental malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs had a 4.27 (1.18-15.25) times higher chance of reporting functional limitation and a 3.06 (1.09-8.60) times higher chance of reporting physical incapacity. Individuals with low self-esteem had a 2.97 (1.38-6.44) times higher chance of reporting physical pain, 3.04 (1.38-6.69) times higher chance of reporting psychological discomfort, and 3.33 (1.40-7.90) times higher chance of reporting physiological incapacity. The item levels of social incapacity and social disadvantage were not affected by independent variables.

DISCUSSION

The literature has shown the growing importance of analyzing individual perceptions related to orthodontic treatment need.22 Dos Santos PR, Meneghim MC, Ambrosano GM, Filho MV, Vedovello SA. Influence of quality of life, self-perception, and self-esteem on orthodontic treatment need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Jan;151(1):143-7.,66 Sun L, Wong HM, McGrath CP. Relationship between the severity of malocclusion and oral health related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2017;15(6):503-17.,2424 Liu Z, McGrath C, Hägg U. The impact of malocclusion/orthodontic treatment need on the quality of life. A systematic review. Angle Orthod. 2009 May;79(3):585-91. In the present study, clinical treatment need was evaluated by the dental health component (DHC) of the IOTN and defined the dental malocclusion. Although they are similar instruments of evaluation,2525 Vedovello SAS, Dos Santos PR, Mello de Carvalho AL, Vedovello Filho M, Ambrosano GMB, Pereira AC, et al. Exploring the perception of orthodontic treatment need using the Dental Aesthetic Index and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2019 Dec;156(6):818-22. the IOTN is more suitable than the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) because it considers the functional aspects of occlusion.2626 Boronat-Catalá M, Bellot-Arcís C, Montiel-Company JM, Catalá-Pizarro M, Almerich-Silla JM. Orthodontic treatment need of 9, 12 and 15 year-old children according to the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need and the Dental Aesthetic Index. J Orthod. 2016 Jun;43(2):130-6.

The main differential of this study was the inclusion of facial profile analysis in the epidemiological research of malocclusion. Thus, we associate dental analysis (IOTN) of occlusion with the facial profile to understand the impact of possible skeletal problems, suggested by the facial profile, in epidemiology. The facial profiles were classified based on the convexity angle,1818 Steiner C.C, Cephalometric for you and me. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 1958 Oct;39(10):729-55.

19 Jacobson A. Radiographic cephalometry: from basics to video imaging. Hanover Park: Quintessence; 1995.
-2020 Eslami N, Omidkhoda M, Shafaee H, Mozhdehifard M. Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male adolescents and adults with different profiles. J Orthod Sci. 2016 Apr-Jun;5(2):47-51. which is indicated for determining the morphology of the soft tissues of the face.2727 Saxby PJ, Freer TJ. Dentoskeletal determinants of soft tissue morphology. Angle Orthod. 1985 Apr;55(2):147-54. Reference values were considered for the Brazilian population,2121 Scavone H, Zahn-Silva W, do Valle-Corotti KM, Nahás AC. Soft tissue profile in white Brazilian adults with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces. Angle Orthod. 2008 Jan;78(1):58-63. and straight, convex, and concave profiles2020 Eslami N, Omidkhoda M, Shafaee H, Mozhdehifard M. Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male adolescents and adults with different profiles. J Orthod Sci. 2016 Apr-Jun;5(2):47-51.

21 Scavone H, Zahn-Silva W, do Valle-Corotti KM, Nahás AC. Soft tissue profile in white Brazilian adults with normal occlusions and well-balanced faces. Angle Orthod. 2008 Jan;78(1):58-63.
-2222 Dallé H, Vedovello SAS, Degan VV, De Godoi APT, Custódio W, de Menezes CC. Malocclusion, facial and psychological predictors of quality of life in adolescents. Community Dent Health. 2019 Nov 28;36(4):298-302. were identified to answer the following question: What is the impact of facial profile on adults’ OHRQoL?

Our results showed that individuals with a convex or concave profile were more likely to report psychological impacts on their quality of life. According to the literature, there is a preference for a straight profile that corresponds to a Class I skeletal pattern,2828 Perovic T. The influence of class II Division 2 malocclusions on the harmony of the human face profile. Med Sci Monit. 2017 Nov 24;23:5589-98. which reflects facial attractiveness.2929 Krooks L, Pirttiniemi P, Tolvanen M, Kanavakis G, Lähdesmäki R, Silvola AS. Association of facial sagittal and vertical characteristics with facial aesthetics in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Eur J Orthod. 2019 May 24;41(3):279-85. Thus, the most likely explanation for our results is that the anteroposterior aspect of the face is considered an important factor in the evaluation of aesthetics, which justifies the impact related to convex (Class II pattern) and concave (Class III pattern) profiles. The results supported the importance of in-depth investigation at the item level of OHRQoL assessment scales. In addition, an altered facial morphology may be associated with less self-confident in social relationships, since a severe malocclusion can affect how a person is perceived negatively throughout his or her entire life. Maybe it is another possible explanation for the association between the changed facial profile and the psychological incapacity domain.3030 Choi SH, Kim JS, Cha JY, Hwang CJ. Effect of malocclusion severity on oral health-related quality of life and food intake ability in a Korean population. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Mar;149(3):384-90.

In addition, the isolated diagnosis of malocclusion affects the functional limitation and physical incapacity of the individuals. Although some studies report no impact on the OHRQoL,33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8.,2727 Saxby PJ, Freer TJ. Dentoskeletal determinants of soft tissue morphology. Angle Orthod. 1985 Apr;55(2):147-54. the item level analysis showed an association of functional and physical aspects. It is essential to highlight that the need for orthodontic treatment was studied based on the prioritization of dental criteria and that the inclusion of soft tissue analyzes will allow a better understanding of dentoskeletal problems.

In this sense, self-esteem should not be ignored. The subjective analysis of self-esteem has a direct influence on assessments involving aesthetic concern, and individuals with low self-esteem tended to report impacts on the OHRQoL.33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8.,1010 Yi S, Zhang C, Ni C, Qian Y, Zhang J. Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and desire for orthodontic treatment among Chinese undergraduate students. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016 Jun 8;10:1037-42. Thus, our results showed that individuals with low self-esteem reported a negative impact on physical pain and the psychological aspects of OHRQoL. In the same context, the gender variable was associated with a higher chance of impact on psychological discomfort. The literature has affirmed that women report greater oral health-related social and psychological impacts than men.1010 Yi S, Zhang C, Ni C, Qian Y, Zhang J. Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and desire for orthodontic treatment among Chinese undergraduate students. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016 Jun 8;10:1037-42.,2929 Krooks L, Pirttiniemi P, Tolvanen M, Kanavakis G, Lähdesmäki R, Silvola AS. Association of facial sagittal and vertical characteristics with facial aesthetics in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Eur J Orthod. 2019 May 24;41(3):279-85.,3030 Choi SH, Kim JS, Cha JY, Hwang CJ. Effect of malocclusion severity on oral health-related quality of life and food intake ability in a Korean population. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Mar;149(3):384-90. The main difference in the findings concerned the age range; the majority of studies that have observed greater impacts on women1010 Yi S, Zhang C, Ni C, Qian Y, Zhang J. Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics and desire for orthodontic treatment among Chinese undergraduate students. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016 Jun 8;10:1037-42.,2929 Krooks L, Pirttiniemi P, Tolvanen M, Kanavakis G, Lähdesmäki R, Silvola AS. Association of facial sagittal and vertical characteristics with facial aesthetics in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Eur J Orthod. 2019 May 24;41(3):279-85.,3030 Choi SH, Kim JS, Cha JY, Hwang CJ. Effect of malocclusion severity on oral health-related quality of life and food intake ability in a Korean population. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2016 Mar;149(3):384-90. evaluated adolescents; in our study, we evaluated young adults.

Studies that investigated the impact of malocclusion on adults’ OHRQoL were based exclusively on dental indicators, such as DAI and IOTN,33 Gavric A, Mirceta D, Jakobovic M, Pavlic A, Zrinski MT, Spalj S. Craniodentofacial characteristics, dental esthetics-related quality of life, and self-esteem. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2015 Jun;147(6):711-8.,66 Sun L, Wong HM, McGrath CP. Relationship between the severity of malocclusion and oral health related quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2017;15(6):503-17.,77 Hassan AH, Hobani NM, Almokri SM, Almokri NM, Alotibi FG, Alshouibi EN. Effect of anterior crowding or spacing on oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2018 Mar 27;12:461-5. or including the cephalic index.22 Dos Santos PR, Meneghim MC, Ambrosano GM, Filho MV, Vedovello SA. Influence of quality of life, self-perception, and self-esteem on orthodontic treatment need. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017 Jan;151(1):143-7. This is the first study to include soft tissue analysis in the observational epidemiological evaluation. We evaluated faces using photographs, which provided reliability for the facial profile diagnosis. Perhaps this is the controversy in the literature; the fact that the anteroposterior skeletal pattern has not been included in the OHRQoL evaluation. Individuals with normal occlusion do not necessarily have a Class I skeletal pattern. Moreover, the orthodontic clinic frequently observes individuals with skeletal deformities, who report that malocclusion affects their daily lives. Thus, the strength of this study was to include the facial profile among the possible clinical aspects that affect OHRQoL.

The cross-sectional design of the study may be considered a limitation because the impact of dental and facial changes was evaluated at a specific time. A longitudinal study design would also strengthen the study and possibly deepen understanding of the intensity and extent to which these aspects cause in the individual’s life.

Finally, the findings do not support the study hypothesis; in both the clinical and epidemiological context, there is a need for an approach to evaluating individuals’ perceptions of dental and facial aspects that affect self-esteem and have significant impacts on OHRQoL item levels.

CONCLUSION

The convex and concave facial profile showed a negative impact on the psychological aspects of young adults’ quality of life.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    15 Dec 2021
  • Date of issue
    2021

History

  • Received
    29 Apr 2020
  • Accepted
    07 Aug 2020
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