Malocclusions and their associations with oral health-related quality of life in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Auditorium F202, Faculty of Medicine, Oulu (Aapistie 5 B)
Topic of the dissertation
Malocclusions and their associations with oral health-related quality of life in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Doctoral candidate
Licenciate of dentistry Linnea Närhi
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu Graduate School, Research Unit of Population Health
Subject of study
Dentistry, Oral Development and Orthodontics
Opponent
Professor David Rice, University of Helsinki
Custos
Docent Anna-Sofia Silvola, University of Oulu
The associations of malocclusions and oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population
Malocclusions are a common oral health issue. On average, one third of Finnish adults have severe malocclusion which could potentially result in problems in their daily lives. Malocclusions can cause pain or problems in temporomandibular joint, and difficulties in eating or speaking. They also impact the dentofacial appearance, thus influencing self-esteem, social interaction, and psychological well-being of the individual.
The aim of this doctoral research was to investigate the association between malocclusions and oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population. The research material was part of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study. In connection with the 46-year-old follow-up study, 1964 volunteers participated in a clinical oral and dental examination, including registration of occlusion and digital 3D dental models. The severity of malocclusion and dental aesthetics was assessed from the 3D models. Participants also completed a questionnaire including questions regarding oral health-related quality of life.
The research indicated that malocclusions were significantly associated with oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population. Different malocclusion traits, malocclusion severities and dental aesthetic issues had varied impacts on individual well-being. The most severe malocclusions and dental aesthetic problems seemed to be most clearly associated with decreased oral health-related quality of life, causing especially psychosocial harm.
Significant gender differences were noticed in the impact of malocclusion on quality of life: men had more severe malocclusions, while women experienced more harm from malocclusions. The majority of Finnish adults were satisfied with their occlusion and did not perceive any quality-of-life impacts. However, significant individual variation in the experience was noticed.
Oral health-related quality of life provides information of the patient-centred experience, which should always be considered when planning treatment protocols and making treatment decisions. As the resources of public health care are often limited, it would be beneficial to target orthodontic treatment to those who would most likely benefit from it. Based on the results of this study, it is important to take into account the individual’s subjective experience whenever assessing the need for orthodontic treatment.
The aim of this doctoral research was to investigate the association between malocclusions and oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population. The research material was part of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study. In connection with the 46-year-old follow-up study, 1964 volunteers participated in a clinical oral and dental examination, including registration of occlusion and digital 3D dental models. The severity of malocclusion and dental aesthetics was assessed from the 3D models. Participants also completed a questionnaire including questions regarding oral health-related quality of life.
The research indicated that malocclusions were significantly associated with oral health-related quality of life in a Finnish adult population. Different malocclusion traits, malocclusion severities and dental aesthetic issues had varied impacts on individual well-being. The most severe malocclusions and dental aesthetic problems seemed to be most clearly associated with decreased oral health-related quality of life, causing especially psychosocial harm.
Significant gender differences were noticed in the impact of malocclusion on quality of life: men had more severe malocclusions, while women experienced more harm from malocclusions. The majority of Finnish adults were satisfied with their occlusion and did not perceive any quality-of-life impacts. However, significant individual variation in the experience was noticed.
Oral health-related quality of life provides information of the patient-centred experience, which should always be considered when planning treatment protocols and making treatment decisions. As the resources of public health care are often limited, it would be beneficial to target orthodontic treatment to those who would most likely benefit from it. Based on the results of this study, it is important to take into account the individual’s subjective experience whenever assessing the need for orthodontic treatment.
Last updated: 23.1.2024