Impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life: insights from children with and without hypodontia.

Objective: To assess the impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and to compare the impact of malocclusion in children with and without hypodontia.

Methods: Children aged 10-16 years with ≥ 5 missing teeth and without hypodontia completed the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ) to assess the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL. The Child Perception Questionnaire 11-14 years short form (CPQ11-14-ISF16) was used to verify the validity of the MIQ. Demographic and orthodontic data were collected. Internal consistency and validity of the MIQ were analyzed. MIQ scores were compared using an independent t‑test. Regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of the MIQ score.

Results: A total of 92 participants completed the MIQ, and 52 participants the CPQ11-14-ISF16. The MIQ showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.89) and good criterion validity with CPQ11-14-ISF16 (r = 0.58). No significant difference in the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL between the groups (p = 0.15) was found. Age (p < 0.05), sex (p < 0.001), and general appearance (p < 0.001) significantly predicted OHRQoL scores in the regression analysis. Multilevel analysis showed that the group and age effects were nonsignificant and that sex and general appearance were predictive for the MIQ score.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the MIQ is a useful tool to assess the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL in the orthodontic field. Differences in the impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL between children with and without hypodontia of ≥ 5 teeth were limited. It may be beneficial delaying treatment until the patient expresses a subjective treatment need which may reduce overtreatment of children with hypodontia.