Impacto psicossocial em pacientes submetidos a tratamento ortodôntico – cirúrgico - ortognático (TOCO)

Abstract

Introduction: Dentofacial deformity is characterized by the existence of skeletal disproportions and severe dental malocclusion. It is estimated that about 20% of the world population suffers from this condition, which is considered disabling since compromises its carriers at functional, physical, psychological and social levels. The therapeutic option for these individuals whose potential for active growth has ceased is combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment.
Materials and Methods: To assess the psychosocial impact on patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in conjunction with orthognathic surgery, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Thus, to assess these variables, two questionnaires were applied: the Rosenberg Global Self Esteem Scale (RSES) and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref). This investigation presented a total sample of 187 participants divided into two groups: the control group (consisting of 154 individuals who underwent conventional orthodontic treatment) and the study group (composed of 33 participants undergoing combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment). Results: The total sample was aged between 18 and 57 years old with an average age of 24.4 years old (±6.53). Regarding the specific general self-esteem for each group, an average of 48.59 (±7.73) was obtained for the control group and 52.09 (±5.02) for the study group. Concerning quality of life, only statistically significant differences were found in the physical domain (p=0.023) between both sample groups. In the remaining domains, the same was not verified (p>0.05). Conclusion: Patients undergoing combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment have higher levels of self-esteem compared to patients who underwent conventional orthodontic treatment. As for quality of life, the study group had higher values in the physical domain. In the remaining domains, no statistically significant differences were registered. The dentist is primarily responsible for referring patients with dentofacial deformities.

Date of Award	27 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Susana Silva (Supervisor) & Vítor Manuel dos Santos Teixeira (Co-Supervisor)