The impact of malocclusion on 10-16-year-old adolescents' Oral Health Related Quality of Life: a systematic review

Relevance of the problem: the prevalence of malocclusion among 7-15-year-old schoolchildren in Lithuania is up to 84,6 percent [2]. American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the first child's appointment to orthodontist should be no later than age of 7. However it is common to make this first visit at the age of 10-12 when permanent teeth changes the temporary ones or even later. At the age of 10-16 years people are the most vulnerable as the time of the biggest physical and emotional changes is happening [31]. Therefore it is essential to perceive the meaning of malocclusion to this group of adolescents and understand malocclusion's impact on their oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in order to achieve the best results of treatment. The aim of the work: to make a systematic review and evaluate the impact of malocclusion on 10-16-year-old children's OHRQoL. Material and methods: relevant studies were identified in Medline/PubMed electronic database using PRISMA requirements and established selection criterias. The search was conducted in November 2017 and repeated in February 2018. Results: eight studies that satisfied the selection criterias were included in this systematic review. Statistically significant connection between definite orthodontic treatment need and decreased OHRQoL was found in six out of eight studies. The ultimate connection was found between higher IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) results and higher CPQ (Children Perception Questionnaire) Emotional well-being (EWB) and Social well-being (SWB) domains' results. Ines Ghijselings [28] and Ling Sun [23] found out that malocclusion has more significant impact on girls' OHRQoL. Conclusions: six out of eight studies found a statistically significant connection between orthodontic treatment need and reduced OHRQoL. Malocclusion's impact on Social well-being and Emotional well being is the most significant