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Original Article Plastic and Aesthetic Research

Perceived aesthetic impact of malocclusion

in 16–24 year-old adults in the rural areas of

India

Charu M. Marya, Amit Rekhi, Ruchi Nagpal, Sukhvinder S. Oberoi, Chandan Dhingra
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and Research, Kheri More, Village Bhopani,
Faridabad 121002, Haryana, India.
Address for correspondence: Dr. Charu M. Marya, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and
Research, Kheri More, Village Bhopani, Faridabad 121002, Haryana, India. E-mail: maryacm@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the self-perception of patients toward their dental
appearance using the aesthetic component (AC) of index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN) index
and whether age and gender had any influence on it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried
out to assess the perceived esthetic impact of malocclusion in 16–24 year-old subjects selected from
the rural population of Faridabad, Haryana, India. The sample was divided into two groups, older
adolescents and younger adults, and the AC of the IOTN index was applied. Results: The results
showed that most subjects scored themselves as having an attractive dentition with no need for
orthodontic treatment (60.91%). Gender-wise differences were not found to be statistically significant in
relation to the perceived needs (P = 0.095), whereas age-wise differences were found to be statistically
significant in relation to the perceived needs (P < 0.001). Conclusion: While the age seemed to have an
impact on the perceived esthetic impact of malocclusion, the gender did not seemingly influence this
self-perception.
Key words:
Esthetic component, index of orthodontic treatment need, self-perception

INTRODUCTION Although dissatisfaction with dental appearance is broadly
related to occlusal irregularities, there are differences in the
[4,5]
[6,7]
Human self‑esteem is influenced by acceptable physical recognition and evaluation of the dental features. Studies
appearance, including the condition of the teeth. Further, revealed that people seem aware of their malocclusion trait,
well‑aligned teeth and a pleasing smile reflect positively at but they do not perceive a need for treatment to the same
all social levels, while irregular or protruding teeth reflect extent as a dentist or an orthodontics. [8,9]
negatively. The major desire for orthodontic treatment is Facial features may be viewed differently in different races
usually related to aesthetics, and to look attractive for and what is considered as pleasing in one race might not
[10]
self‑esteem. Altered dentofacial esthetics and malocclusion be so in another race. The perception of beauty not only
less frequently compromise oral function but can influence is an individual preference, but also might have cultural and
a person’s self‑esteem, emotional development, and social ethnic biases. [11‑13] Cultural, social and psychological factors
integration worldwide. [1‑3] and personal perceptions influence what an individual might
consider to be physically attractive. It has been seen that
physical attractiveness plays a major role in social interaction
Access this article online and influences the impression of an individual’s social skill. [14,15]
Quick Response Code:
Website: It has also been suggested that age, gender, and
www.parjournal.net
socio‑economic background are factors playing a role in
the self‑perception of dental appearance. [16,17] Dentofacial
DOI: esthetics is an important motivational factor to seek
10.4103/2347-9264.139701 orthodontic treatment, therefore, an improvement in
appearance should be an essential treatment goal.

58 Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 1 || Issue 2 || Sep 2014