Reported changes in oral health-related quality of life in children during and after orthodontic treatment: a longitudinal study

AIM: To investigate whether there is a change in reported Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) before, during and after orthodontic treatment, to find out whether there is a relationship with the original treatment need and to evaluate the influence of personality traits and/or self- esteem. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional study the results of questionnaires given to 302 11 to 16 year-old children (140 boys, 162 girls) at baseline, 1 year after the start of treatment (88.41% response rate) and after completion treatment (45.03% response rate) were compared. The OHRQoL was scored using the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ), self-esteem was assessed by the Dutch adaptation of the Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents and the need for treatment was defined by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The questionnaires also included questions about motivation and expectations towards treatment and the final result. To analyse the data, Spearman correlations, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and regression models were used. RESULTS: A significant increase in the CPQ-score was observed during orthodontic treatment in the subdomains functional limitations, oral symptoms and social well-being. Children with high self- esteem at baseline showed lower variability in OHRQoL measures during treatment. After treatment CPQ scores decreased again. Only a slight decrease in total CPQ score was found after orthodontic treatment compared to pre-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: OHRQoL deteriorates during orthodontic treatment, whereas after treatment OHRQoL ameliorates again. Compared to baseline results, OHRQoL only slightly improves after treatment.status: publishe