Parental Perception of Children Affected by Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI): A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted to explore parental attitudes and values regarding aesthetics and treatment needs of children in primary dentition affected by AI and DI. A purposive sample of parents of young children attended two focus groups: mothers (n = 7) and fathers (n = 6). A topic guide with open-ended questions was formulated and standardised photographs showing primary teeth affected by varying severity of AI/DI and photographs of different aesthetic treatments were utilised to stimulate discussion. Data was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A cross-sectional thematic analysis was performed which identified six main themes; the impact on affected children, the impact on parents, the life course of the disease, coping mechanisms, treatment need, and experience of treatment. Parents believed that young children were aware of their altered dental appearance. A feeling of guilt was evident among fathers affected by the same condition. Most parents sought dental treatment before starting school due to worries of bullying at school. Parents appeared to rely solely on the professional advice of the paediatric dentist in making all treatment related decisions. The personal experience of parents affected by AI/DI played a pivotal role in parent’s judgements of their children’s teeth and perceived need for treatment.

Restorative Treatment of Amelogenesis Imperfecta with Prefabricated Composite Veneers

“…AI patients frequently report being teased about their dental appearance and develop higher levels of social avoidance and psychological distress compared to the unaffected population [35,36]. This effect is age-dependent, and young AI patients show more psychological disturbance than adult AI patients [37][38][39]. Hence, esthetic restoration is critical for the successful treatment of young AI patients where the smile should be restored to natural and healthy appearance despite the challenges associated with the young age.…”

Narratives about a stigma: attributing meaning to the early loss of deciduous teeth on children's caregivers

“…41 Hence, early tooth loss may translate into limitations in the child's daily activities, but also into psychosocial impacts and guilt affecting the family. 44 Another aspect to be considered is the association between 'having teeth' and 'having a healthy body'. Corporal image involves all the forms by which the individual lives, not mere perception -the child notices and defines their body, in physical, social, cognitive and emotional aspects.…”

Vital bleaching for children with dental anomalies: EAPD members’ survey

“…Children as young as pre-school and primary school ages are already aware of their own noticeable differences and can judge affected peers negatively (Rodd et al 2011 ; Craig et al 2015 ; Soares et al 2015 ; Lundgren et al 2016 ). For this reason, parents report being worried about bullying, and tend to seek treatment early, especially prior to milestones such as starting school (Alqadi and O’Connell 2018 ).…”