The effect of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances on sleep quality in adults and adolescents in Saudi Arabia using Pittsburgh sleep quality index

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pain caused by orthodontic fixed appliances on sleep quality of participants using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A previously validated Arabic version of PSQI was electronically distributed through different social media platforms and in waiting areas of orthodontic offices. Eligibility criteria included healthy adults and adolescents with orthodontic fixed appliances and with no systemic conditions that may affect sleep. The cut-off point used to determine poor sleep quality was (>5). Three hundred and eighteen participants were included in the final analysis (28.9% males and 71.1% females). Both males and females with orthodontic fixed appliances had poor sleep quality with (Mean = 6.48, SD = 2.85, P = 0.000) for males, and (Mean = 7.18, SD = 2.87, P = 0.000) for females. Comparing males and females, we found that females scored higher than males in both subjective sleep quality and PSQI global score. Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances have poor sleep quality. Females undergoing orthodontic treatment tend to have poorer sleep quality compared to males.