Dysmorphic level and impact of Dental aesthetics among adolescents

The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the dysmorphic level and the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment. 61 subjects, between 12 and 22 years, completed the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (PIDAQ), the Rosenberg’s Self esteem Scale and were interviewed with the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Interview (BDDE). The data showed significant correlations between self esteem, self dental confidence (SDC) and dental aesthetics’ psychological impact (IP). In addition, items that fulfill specific criteria for the Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) showed significant relationships not only with the psychological (PI) and social impact (SI), but also with the patient’s beliefs (PB ) relating to the role of dental aesthetics in their lives. The body image of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment is moderately negative. Psychological factors involved concern not only the dental self-confidence, but also the overall assessment of self-esteem.