Analytical study of the psychosocial impact of malocclusion and maxillofacial deformity in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Patients whose with facial appearance involves dental anomalies and malocclusion face an increased prevalence of various psychosocial problems such as a high level of social anxiety, social avoidance, and low quality of life. This study investigates the patients with craniofacial anomalies and their psychological adjustment concerning the facial and dental appearance. It also evaluates the expectations of this patient group from the orthodontic treatment. Two steps were done in this study. In the first step, translation and validation of the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS59), The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and Patient Expectation from the Orthodontic Treatment (PEOTQ) questionnaires into Maithili were done, and then the main study was conducted using these valid questionnaires. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on the patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies visiting the orthodontics department of Patna Dental College and Hospital, Patna (Bihar). All the patients received the Maithili DAS, Maithili PIDAQ and Patients' Expectation from the orthodontic treatment questionnaires. The Maithili version of DAS59, PIDAQ and PEOTQ were developed with outstanding reliability and validity. A significant difference between PIDAQ (p<0.001) and DAS59 scores (p<0.001) was found. In females, the total PIDAQ score was significantly higher as compared to males, but there was no association of DAS scores with gender. Place of residence showed no association with PIDAQ and DAS59 scores in patients. Patients and controls had significant differences between various items, and a comparison was made in terms of expectation from the orthodontic treatment. Altered facial and dental appearance in patients with craniofacial anomalies showed a significant psychological impact.