Effect of fixed mechanotherapy on psychosocial impact of malocclusion using PIDAQ in the Indian population – A follow up study

Abstract Background The presence of malocclusion in an individual not only distresses the oral form and function but also has a significant impact on the psychological and social well-being of an individual. Adoption of a patient centered approach during the correction of malocclusion serves to benefit both the individual and the orthodontic fraternity as it aims to improve the function, aesthetics and subsequently the overall quality of life. Materials and methods In this study, the psychosocial impact of malocclusion was evaluated on 93 patients using the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs) and the PIDAQ (Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics questionnaire) indices. The questionnaires were paired accordingly and statistically analysed. Association of the age and gender with the psychosocial impact of malocclusion was also assessed. Results Mean total and the individual component scores of the PIDAQ were assessed pre and post treatment and a significant reduction in the scores was observed. The IOTN-AC (IOTN – Aesthetic Component) scores also improved drastically with treatment. However, no statistically significant association of age, education level or socioeconomic class with the psychosocial impact of malocclusion was observed. Conclusion The significant improvement in the mean PIDAQ and IOTN-AC scores obtained after completion of fixed orthodontic treatment, indicate the high initial psychosocial impact of malocclusion which significantly reduced with treatment, accenting the role of orthodontics in improving the overall psychological and social well-being of an individual.