Objectives

  The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of moderate and severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta on the quality of life and self-esteem of affected adult patients.

 Methods

 Forty one adult patients (aged 18–45 years) with clinical and radiological diagnoses of moderate to severe hypodontia and twenty seven patients diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta were age and gender matched with a control group of patients attending for routine dental care. Subjects completed the Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-49] and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. A paired t-test was used to analyse data the test alpha level was set at P≤0.05.

 Results

 The results for hypodontia patients were significantly different from controls in six out of the seven OHIP-49 domains, the exception being the Handicap domain. Total scores were also significantly different between the two groups (P=0.003). Self-esteem was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.98). For amelogenesis imperfecta patients the results were significantly different from control patients in four out of the seven domains of the OHIP-49 and also in the total scores (P=0.01). When self-esteem was investigated there was no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.92).

 Conclusions

  Moderate to severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta have marked negative impacts on the Oral Health Related quality of life of this patient population relative to controls. However, self-esteem was not significantly affected.

 Source: Journal of Dentistry

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