Psycho-social impact of malocclusion-A questionnaire study

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact that maloccluiosn ahs on an individual self designed Questionnaire and co-relating the effects and malooclusion. Material & Methods: A specially designed questionnaire was filled by 120 subjecsts seeking Orthodontic treatment, the questions aimed at finding out the effect malocclusion had on psychology of the patient and the social impact. Results: The sample consisted of 120 adults with mean age of 20 years (SD±2.4), and largely female comprising 140 (88%) and males were 19 (12%). The study group consisted of patients that reported to Maharaja Ganga Singh Dental College & Research Centre, Sri Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan, India. Of the total sample, 120. 85.5 % agreed that healthy and well arranged teeth are important for appearance wherein 95% female subjects and 56.6% male subjects agreed to the same. A total of 90% subjects believed they needed orthodontic treatment and 87.5% believed that straight beautiful teeth can promote their career (91.5% female subjects and 73.3 5 male subjects), further 86.6% believed having a straight beautiful smile can promote social success. Conclusion: Malocclusion has a direct co-relation with the psycho-social effect it has on an individual and psychology of an individual improves at the mere thought of initiating Orthodontic treatment.