The Psychosocial Impact Of Orthodontic Appliances On The Lives Of A Group Of Nigerian Patients

Abstract

Background

Malocclusion has a negative impact on the physical, social, and psychological well-being of individuals.The impact of wearing an orthodontic appliance on an individual should not be overlooked, thus making it imperative for orthodontists to be concerned about and acquire a knowledge of patients experiences while undergoing treatment.The aim of our study was to assess the impact of orthodontic appliances on the lives of our patients.

Materials and Methods

Data was collected by two orthodontists using a close ended interviewer administered questionnaire from clusters of patients in South-West, South-East and South-South Nigeria undergoing appliance therapy. The data was further analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results                                    

A total of 106 patients comprising 39 (36.8%) males and 67 (63.2%) females with an age range of 8-38 years were assessed. Majority of patients were most worried about having to wear the appliance all the time, restricted diet and regular visits to the orthodontist. A higher proportion of female than male patients strongly agreed that they were proud to look at themselves in the mirror (34.3%), happy when their friends saw (11.9%) and glad to show friends their appliances (28.4%) respectively. More males (40.0%) were concerned about frequent tooth brushing. More than half of the female patients (56.9%) were worried about foods that they had to stop eating.

Conclusions

Orthodontic appliance therapy had a negative psychosocial impact on the lives of these patients. We therefore recommend that patients should be adequately educated and prepared psychologically prior to commencement of as well as during treatment.