Effect of anterior teeth display during smiling on the self-perceived impacts of malocclusion in adolescents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the anterior teeth display during smiling (ATDDS) on the self-perceived psychosocial impacts of malocclusion in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 301 adolescents (mean age 16.1 years, SD 1.8 years; 58.1% female). Two instruments were used for data collection: (1) the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and (2) the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ). In addition, ATDDS was assessed in posing smiling, and adolescents' satisfaction with their dental appearance was investigated. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Significant associations were observed between independent variables (ATDDS, DAI scores, and satisfaction with dental appearance) and total PIDAQ score (R(2) = 0.37) and dental self-confidence (R(2) = 0.37), psychological impact (R(2) = 0.30), esthetic concern (R(2) = 0.20), and social impact (R(2) = 0.15). CONCLUSION: The excessive anterior teeth display during smiling may potentially influence the self-perceived psychosocial impacts of malocclusion in adolescents depending on the severity level of malocclusion and the self-reported satisfaction with dental appearance.