Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Saudi Young Adults with Vertical Discrepancies in Occlusion

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is one of the most common oral health problems that affects quality of life. It is important to understand how different types of malocclusion can affect the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Vertical discrepancy in occlusion is highly prevalent, yet there are no studies evaluating its impact on OHRQoL in the Saudi population. Therefore, in this study, we aim to investigate the impact of vertical discrepancy in occlusion on patients’ OHRQoL. PATIENT AND METHODS: A cross-sectional evaluation of 109 patients with open and deep bites who attended the orthodontics screening clinic at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital was carried out. The OHRQoL of each participant was assessed using the shortened, Arabic-version of the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: The findings indicated a statistically significant association between anterior vertical discrepancy in occlusion and embarrassment (p = 0.001), followed by being self-conscious about their appearance, discomfort while eating (p = 0.009), generalized mouth aching (p = 0.012), and speech problems (p = 0.049). This Impact was significantly higher in participants with open bites. Regarding gender variables, female patients were found to be significantly more embarrassed (p = 0.005), while male patients were more self-conscious (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Vertical discrepancy in occlusion has a negative impact on OHRQoL and its domains in both genders. The negative impact is highlighted in the psychological disability, psychological discomfort, physical pain, and functional limitation domains.