Does orthodontic treatment need have an impact on oral health-related quality of life?

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to determine the frequency of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impairment in a national representative sample of 8 to 9 year olds in Germany and to evaluate the impact of orthodontic treatment need.MethodsData were collected in the Sixth German Oral Health Study (Sechste Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudie, DMS 6) and subjects were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. OHRQoL was measured with a modified version of the 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) which was administered in a computer-assisted personal interview. Children were also examined for malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need.ResultsIn all, 1892 children aged 8-9 years were invited to take part. Finally, data of 705 children (48.6% female) could be included in the analysis. The OHIP-5 mean was 1.3 (+/- 2.0). There was no relevant influence from age and gender on the OHIP-5 summary scores (r < 0.10), but the summary scores differed when analyzed separately regarding orthodontic treatment need or no orthodontic treatment need (1.5 +/- 2.0 vs. 1.2 +/- 1.9, p = 0.020). Nevertheless, the level appears to be low.ConclusionsMalocclusions with orthodontic treatment need have an influence on OHRQoL.