Does the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire measure dental appearance?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a need to develop a new questionnaire measuring dental appearance or if this is already covered by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on internationally accepted guidelines about dental esthetics, a questionnaire was developed to measure dental appearance (QDA). Eleven items defined a QDA sum score (0 = absolutely satisfied, 44 = absolutely dissatisfied). Furthermore, oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the German version of the OHIP-49 and the OHIP-esthetic. Thirty patients (14 women, 16 men; mean age 59 +/- 10 years) were included in the study. All patients received a complete oral rehabilitation including the anterior teeth of the maxilla. Questionnaires were completed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The median values were 16 and 1.5 for the QDA sum score, 46 and 16 for the OHIP sum score, and 14.5 and 2 for the OHIP-esthetic before and after rehabilitation, respectively. The improvement after treatment was significant for all questionnaires (P < or = .0001). Between the QDA sum score and the OHIP sum score or any of the OHIP subscales (the only exception being "psychological discomfort"), no significant correlation could be found (P > .05). Between the QDA sum score and the OHIP-esthetic, a significant correlation could be found before treatment (r = 0.505, P = .004) but not after treatment (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

If the OHIP-49 is used in clinical studies and a profound evaluation of dental appearance is desired, it is reasonable to use an additional esthetic modulus.