Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Public Dental Service, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden.
Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024 Aug;10(4):e944. doi: 10.1002/cre2.944.
The aim of this study was to compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents granted (G) versus not granted (NG) publicly funded orthodontic treatment.
Adolescents aged 15-20 years who were granted versus not granted publicly funded orthodontic treatment responded to a web-based survey, assessing OHRQoL in relation to functional impact, psychological impact, and motivators for orthodontic treatment. Before the survey, pretesting of the questionnaire was conducted to ensure its reliability. Differences between the groups were tested using the chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Reliability was assessed using Cohen's κ and Pearson's correlation coefficient during the pretest phase.
One hundred and forty patients, equally distributed between a G and an NG group, responded to the survey. Gender, age, and demographic distribution were comparable in both groups. All respondents expressed a high subjective treatment need and similar answers regarding functional aspects. Orthodontic treatment motivators (G: 86.2% and NG: 94.7%, p = 0.443) were primarily related to improved self-esteem, overall well-being, facial appearance, and being able to laugh without embarrassment. The NG group expressed a more negative OHRQoL impact due to the appearance of their teeth compared with the G group (p < 0.001) and a negative impact caused by the position of their teeth (p < 0.001).
Orthodontic treatment need indices should aim to reinforce subjective measures as adolescents express similar motivators for orthodontic treatment, regardless of the clinician's objectively based decision about treatment need.
本研究旨在比较接受（G）和未接受（NG）公共资金正畸治疗的青少年的口腔健康相关生活质量（OHRQoL）。
15-20 岁的青少年接受或未接受公共资金正畸治疗，通过网络调查评估与功能影响、心理影响和正畸治疗动机相关的 OHRQoL。在调查之前，对问卷进行了预测试，以确保其可靠性。使用卡方检验和曼-惠特尼 U 检验比较组间差异。在预测试阶段使用 Cohen's κ 和 Pearson 相关系数评估可靠性。
140 名患者，在 G 组和 NG 组之间平均分配，对调查做出了回应。两组的性别、年龄和人口统计学分布相似。所有受访者都表达了高度的主观治疗需求，并且在功能方面的回答相似。正畸治疗动机（G：86.2%和 NG：94.7%，p=0.443）主要与改善自尊心、整体幸福感、面部外观和能够不尴尬地大笑有关。与 G 组相比，NG 组对牙齿外观的 OHRQoL 影响更为负面（p<0.001），对牙齿位置的影响更为负面（p<0.001）。
正畸治疗需求指数应旨在加强主观措施，因为青少年表达了相似的正畸治疗动机，而不论临床医生基于客观的治疗需求决策如何。
