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A PILOT STUDY: ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF DENTAL AESTHETICS IN
TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS
NMRR-19-2874-49582

A Athiappan, Chong YT

Introduction: Personal aesthetic perceptions of the dentofacial complex and the
associated psychosocial impact are of great consequence to orthodontic patients. The face
is the most readily apparent feature and thus is said to be the most important physical
characteristic in the development of self-image and self-esteem, as positive social
interactions have been shown to result in better interpersonal relationships and more self-
confidence. As malocclusion, particularly that present in the anterior region, is often
conspicuous, it may elicit unpleasant social reactions and a poor self-concept. Objective:
To investigate self-perceived need and attitude to fixed orthodontic treatment and attitude
to own teeth and general appearance. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional
study using clinical based study groups. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire
is used to evaluate patient’s knowledge, attitude and perception on fixed orthodontic
treatment, their teeth and general appearance. The ‘Psychosocial Impact of Dental
Aesthetics Questionnaire’ (PIDAQ) which was used in this study consisted of pool of
questions from various researchers comprising questionnaires on dental aesthetics and
oral health-related quality of life. The questionnaires were distributed to the patients in
the clinic. Results: A total of 20 teenagers and young adults with more female (n=16, 80%)
compared to male (n=4, 20%) with a mean age of 21-year-old were involved. Slightly more
than half reported of having high self-confidence (55%) while 50% experienced social and
psychological impact. 40% of respondents reported of not having issues with aesthetic.
Conclusion: It seems prudent to endorse the benefits of orthodontic treatment based on
the need as assessed normatively by the orthodontist and subjectively as perceived by the
patient.

nd
st
Poster presentation at the 2 Johor Oral Health Research Conference 2019 on 20-21 November 2019
Dr Amirtha Athiappan
Dr Chong Yuan Ting
Pekan Nenas Dental Clinic
Pontian Johor

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