Dental aesthetic index scores and perception of personal dental appearance among a Maltese adolescent population

Abstract

Introduction: Malocclusion is somewhat widespread in Malta, with several people being affected by malocclusion at varying degrees. Adolescents commonly seek treatment for this condition to improve their dental aesthetics. Orthodontic treatment can be used to treat both functional abnormality and dental aesthetics. The opinions of the patient about their occlusion and their aesthetics should be included in orthodontic treatment. By investigating the relationship between the aesthetic and functional factors of occlusion, orthodontic treatment may show an improvement. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of objective malocclusion, subjective malocclusion and the personal opinion on dental aesthetics in a Maltese adolescent population. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 550 subjects aged 11 to 21. Data was collected using the dental aesthetic index to calculate objective malocclusion, and questionnaires to calculate subjective malocclusion and personal dental appearance. Results: Moderate statistical correlations were found between DAI scores, awareness of malocclusion, and satisfaction with dental appearance. A weak statistical correlation was found between awareness of malocclusion and satisfaction with dental appearance. Conclusion: Maltese adolescents seem to be generally aware of their orthodontic treatment needs. Having parents with higher education levels increases the patient’s own perceptions of aesthetics. Older participants were less satisfied by their dental aesthetics compared to younger participants. Treating the objective treatment needs in Malta will also help increase the patient’s own perceptions about their malocclusion and dental aesthetics.