"Psychological status and quality of life of orthognathic patients – highlights in “surgery first” approach "

Abstract

The aesthetic aspect, irrespective of the era and the dominant trend represent a defining element of the individuals' quality of life. Patients with dento -facial anomalies carry a more or less conscious stigma that gives them a psychological and social disadvantage. Along with oral health, speech and masticatory impairment, these persons experience different degrees of mental well-being alteration, affecting the entire spectrum that represents quality of life. Dento-skeletal anomalies, especially those involving the anterior region of the jaw can lead to a distorted perception of the entire body image and consequently to a lifelong negative influence. Individuals with negative facial body image view themselves as less outgoing and less socially skilled than those with positive facial image, independent of objective judgements of the individual's facial attractiveness. 78/Bulletin of Integrative Psychiatry New Series  March 2020  Year XXVI  No. 1 (84)Orthognathic surgery is typically planned in order to correct malocclusion and other functional impairment, but also to improve facial appearance and consequently the quality of life, often the main motivation of patients who choose this treatment and request a multidisciplinary approach, involving orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, psychologists, physiotherapists.