Facial Pattern on Young Adult's Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the dentofacial pattern on young adult’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 young adults, with a mean age of 23 years, based on a previous sample calculation. The individuals answered questions about OHRQoL(OHIP-14) and self-esteem (Global Negative Self-evaluation). The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) clinically evaluated normative orthodontic treatment need. The facial profile was analyzed by means of photographs, and dichotomized into two levels: normal (straight profile) and changed (convex or concave). Association between the independent variables and the outcome (OHIP-14) was established by hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis for each domain.
Results: The convex/concave facial profile has 2.58 and 1.92 times more chance of having impact on the domains of physical and psychological incapacity. Individuals with low self-esteem reported negative impact on OHRQoL(p>0.05).
Conclusions: Individuals with a convex or concave facial profile reported negative impact on the physical and psychological domains of OHRQoL.