Perception And Attitude Of People With Malocclusion In Social Gatherings - A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is defined as an abnormal occlusion in which teeth are not in a normal position in relation to the adjacent teeth in the same jaw. Malocclusion can be treated with braces, dental appliances and even surgery. Some authors noted social economic conditions are directly related to the presence of harmful oral habits that influence the development of malocclusion.

AIM: To analyse the perception and attitude of the people with malocclusion in social gatherings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross sectional study was conducted among the outpatients visiting the orthodontics department of a private  dental college. A pretested structured questionnaire was prepared and distributed online among the recruited participants with malocclusion through google forms. The data collected were tabulated and analysed  using Pearson's chi-square test in IBM SPSS software (version 23.0). 

RESULT: About 70% of students were aware  of dental esthetics, most of them  wishing that their teeth should be attractive.51% of the people feel confident when some people ask about the disarrangement of their teeth.70% of people are aware of malocclusion.3% of participants aged 11-20 years, 13% aged 17-20 years, 12% aged 21-30 years, 13% aged 31-40 years, 10% aged 41-50 years reported they felt guilty to smile with malocclusion during social gatherings (Pearson chi square,p value = 0.437). 8% aged 11-20 years, 17% aged 17-20 years, 16% aged 21-30 years,  11%  aged 31-40 years, 10% aged 41-50 years reported they thought that genetics is the reason for malocclusion (Pearson chi square, p value = 0.228).

CONCLUSION: The dental students had a good knowledge about the malocclusion and had a positive attitude towards undergoing correction for malocclusion.