ISSN : 2663-2187

Orthodontic Treatment and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients

Main Article Content

Shraddha Shetti,Vidyesh Nadkerny,Tarang K Mehta,Hemangi Yashwant Jadhav,Naina Pattnaik,Varunjeet Chaudhary
ยป doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.Si2.2024.5631-5636

Abstract

Background Orthodontic treatment not only enhances dental aesthetics and function but also significantly impacts patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Understanding these effects can help in better planning and improving patientcentered outcomes in orthodontic care. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Participants were surveyed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire to assess the changes in their OHRQoL before and after treatment. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests to determine the statistical significance of the changes observed. Results The study found a significant improvement in the OHRQoL scores post-treatment (mean score reduction from 25.4 to 14.2, p<0.001). Patients reported notable enhancements in psychological discomfort (mean reduction of 5.2 points), physical pain (mean reduction of 4.8 points), and social disability (mean reduction of 3.5 points). The results underscore the positive impact of orthodontic treatment on various dimensions of patients' quality of life. Conclusion Orthodontic treatment significantly improves the oral health-related quality of life of patients, particularly in reducing psychological discomfort, physical pain, and social disability. These findings highlight the importance of orthodontic interventions not only for aesthetic and functional improvements but also for enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.

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