Effects of malocclusion on the self-esteem of female university students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of malocclusion on the self-esteem of female university students. Methods: The subjects were composed of 67 female university students who showed Class I molar relation, no missing or supernumerary teeth and has had no orthodontic treatment experience. Each subject was evaluated with Rosenberg`s Self-esteem Scale to measure the level of self-esteem and also evaluated the degree of anterior crowding and lip protrusion through model analysis and cephalometric soft tissue profile analysis. Results: The results showed that a protrusive profile and crowding of upper anterior teeth had significant reducing effects on the level of self-esteem. The protrusion and crowding groups showed no significant differences in self-esteem between groups. Conclusions: Malocclusion had significant negative effects on the self-esteem of female university students. Further research to investigate the negative psychological influence of malocclusion and the education of lay people about this influence is necessary. (Korean J Orthod 2008;38(6):388-396)