The Correlation between Orthodontic Treatment Need and Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics among Patients Seeking Orthodontic Treatment

The influence of orthodontic treatment on self-confidence and quality of life is a major reason for patients to seek treatment. This study was designed to assess the relationship between orthodontic treatment need and psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics in patients seeking orthodontic treatment. This descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 165 patients referred to orthodontic clinics in Kerman to start treatment. Patients were selected by census method to reach the specified sample size. The data collection tools included 3 forms: demographic information form, Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) and a form for recording information obtained from clinical examination to determine orthodontic treatment need based on Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Data analysis was performed through SPSS 22 and using t test, ANOVA, and linear regression at a significance level of 0.05. The educational level of subjects and their parents and economic status showed no significant relationship with total PIDAQ score and any of its domains (P>0.05). In psychological impact domain, women’s score was significantly higher (P=0.016) and there was a significant relationship between the treatment need based on aesthetic component (AC) and the domains of dental self-confidence (P=0.003), social impact (P=0.049) and psychological impact (p=0.066), as well as the total score of questionnaire (P=0.012). Treatment need based on dental health component had no statistically significant relationship with PIDAQ score (P>0.05). AC of IOTN had significant relationship with dental self-confidence, social impact and psychological impact as well as the total score of PIDAQ. In orthodontic treatments, in addition to malocclusion, the psychological aspects should also be considered.