Negative effect of malocclusion on the emotional and social well-being of Brazilian adolescents: a population-based study

The aesthetic impact of malocclusion can have negative repercussions on quality of life, social interaction, interpersonal relationships, and psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of Brazilian adolescents. A representative cross-sectional study of 1612 adolescents from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais was conducted. The adolescents responded to the Brazilian version of the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14-ISF:16) to assess the impact of the condition on quality of life. Cases of malocclusion were diagnosed using the Dental Aesthetic Index while clinical examination was performed by three calibrated examiners. Data regarding traumatic dental injuries, dental caries, gender, type of school, age and social vulnerability was collected. Data analysis was performed using bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance (P < 0.05). The prevalence of malocclusion was 31.3%. The presence of definite malocclusion (PR = 1.28; CI = 1.13-1.45), severe malocclusion (PR = 1.24; CI = 1.04-1.47) and handicapping malocclusion (PR = 1.55; CI = 1.31-1.84) was associated with a greater negative impact on Emotional Well-Being. The presence of definite malocclusion (PR = 1.18; CI = 1.02-1.36), severe malocclusion (PR = 1.46; CI = 1.21-1.76) and handicapping malocclusion (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.35-1.94) was also associated with a greater negative impact on Social Well-Being. Adolescents with handicapping malocclusion, where the need for treatment was mandatory, suffered from a greater negative impact on quality of life, with emotional and social aspects most affected.