The impact of malocclusion and its treatment on quality of life: A literature review

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this paper is to review the literature relating to the impact of malocclusion, and the treatment of malocclusion, on physical, social and psychological health (i.e. quality of life, QoL). Design. English-language papers, including cross-sectional studies, retrospective and prospective longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials, and reviews and meta-analyses were reviewed to determine the impact of malocclusion and its treatment on QoL. Results. Malocclusion and its treatment can affect physical health in terms of pain (e.g. temporomandibular disorders, and dental and gingival trauma), speech and mastication. In terms of psychological health, malocclusion and its treatment is reported to affect self-concept. Socially, malocclusion and its treatment can affect perceived attractiveness by others, social acceptance and perceived intelligence. However, the evidence is conflicting owing to differences in study designs, population's studied and methods of assessment of psychical, social and psychological health. Conclusion. Much controversy exists about the impact of malocclusion and its treatment on QoL. There is a need for a more comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the impact of malocclusion and its treatment on QoL, employing standardized, valid and reliable data collection instruments. © 2006 The Authors.