Body Image and Psychological Impact of Dental Appearance in Adolescents with Malocclusion: A Preliminary Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: Body image and psychosocial functioning represent central challenges during adolescence and early adulthood. Malocclusion, defined as an irregularity in the alignment of the teeth, is known to negatively influence psychological outcomes. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of malocclusion, together with age, gender, and dental class, in body image and psychological functioning. Methods: A total of 126 participants aged from 12 to 19 years old (mean: 15.87, SD: 2.35, female participants: 52.4%, male participants: 47.6%) were recruited. Participants were visited at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Body Image Concern Inventory (I-BICI), and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). Results: Significant correlations were found between age, dental class, the BICI, and the PIDAQ. In particular, age showed a positive and significant correlation with PIDAQ—total score. The correlations between occlusal status and the BICI variables were all significant and positive. All correlations between occlusal status and the PIDAQ variables were all significant and positive, except for dental self-confidence. The correlations between the variables of the PIDAQ and BICI instruments were all significant and positive, except for dental self-confidence, where the directions were significant and negative. Moreover, age, gender, and occlusal status predicted BICI and PIDAQ scores. Age was a positive predictor for PIDAQ self-confidence, gender for BICI and PIDAQ total scores, along with dysmorphic symptoms, social impact, psychological impact, and aesthetic concerns. Several significant gender differences were highlighted by the analyses, with higher scores in the female group on all the BICI variables, except symptom interference, and all the PIDAQ variables, except dental self-confidence. Conclusions: Malocclusion appeared to play a central role in the psychological, representational, and psychosocial life of the participants. This research suggests that malocclusion and dental issues influence the psychological, representational, and psychosocial life of adolescents. Further research is required to examine the psychological impact of dental problems.

The effect of low-level laser therapy on osteoclast differentiation: Clinical implications for tooth movement and bone density

“…Poor dental alignment, often associated with a reduced quality of life, can lead to discomfort and difficulties in eating, thus emphasizing the importance of orthodontic treatments for correction. 2 , 3 However, these treatments typically involve a prolonged process. As a result, there is a pressing need to investigate noninvasive approaches that can shorten the duration of orthodontic treatments, thereby reducing risks and improving patient outcomes.…”

“… 1 Poor alignment usually causes discomfort and self-esteem issues and necessitates orthodontic correction. 2 , 3 However, this process often lasts 2–3 years and can introduce complications like tooth decay and gum deterioration. 4 , 5 Therefore, exploring non-invasive methods to shorten treatment time and enhance outcomes is crucial.…”

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Psychopathology, Uncertainty and Alexithymia: A Clinical and Differential Exploratory Study

“…In line with various studies in the literature, chronic medical difficulties can cause psychological difficulties [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Indeed, the role of psychological variables has been studied with regard to the physical consequences of chronic medical difficulties, the role that psychopathology plays in the progression of chronic medical difficulties and finally, the management of physical therapies [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

Description of the concern for dental aesthetics in dental students from UNIANDES, Ecuador

“…Este estudio apunta a que tanto la maloclusión como otros problemas dentales afectan profundamente estos ámbitos en los adolescentes, señalando la necesidad de más investigaciones sobre el efecto psicológico de las afecciones dentales. (4) En este contexto, el objetivo del estudio es describir la salud oral en mayo 2023 de estudiantes de la carrera de odontología en UNIANDES, Ecuador, enfocada en el impacto de la percepción de la estética dental en los niveles de perfeccionismo y autoevaluación.…”