Abstract
Introduction: Malocclusion is regarded as any deviation from the normal occlusion and has an adverse impact on psychological, social and physical wellbeing of an individual. There are different malocclusion traits that include anterior crowding, spacing, increased overjet, anterior open bite and increased overbite. These traits invariably result in bullying, mocking and sometimes leads to great torment to the individual. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of three malocclusion traits on the quality of life and self esteem of the patients in Marathwada population.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving 165 patients between 10 and 20 years of age, with crowding, spacing and increased overjet. The quality of life was determined using the Oral Health Impact Profile and self esteem was estimated by Rosenberg self esteem scale.
Results: The results showed that out of the three malocclusion traits increased overjet and crowding showed a highly statistically significant negative impact on oral health related quality of life and self esteem invariably leading to psychological, social and physical discomfort to the patients.
Conclusion: Malocclusion traits has reported to have negative impact on oral health related quality of life and self esteem of people pertaining to the Marathwada population.