Impact of facial profile on young adults’ oral health-related quality-of-life item levels: A hierarchical analysis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of facial profile on young adults’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) item levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 205 young adults, with a mean age of 23.1 years. The individuals answered questions about OHRQoL (OHIP-14) and self-esteem (Global Negative Self-Evaluation). The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to evaluate normative orthodontic treatment needs and define dental malocclusion clinically. Facial profile was analyzed using photographs and dichotomized into two levels: normal (straight) and altered facial profile (convex or concave). A calibrated researcher performed the clinical examination. Association between the independent variables and the outcome (OHRQoL) was established by hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis for each item level. Considering the variable of interest (facial profile), the psychological incapacity domain was the most affected item. RESULTS: Individuals with changed facial profile had 2.47 (1.04-5.85) times higher chances of reporting impacts on psychological incapacity than those with a normal profile (p> 0.05). The association was modulated by dental malocclusion and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The convex and concave facial profile showed a negative impact on the psychological aspects of young adults’ quality of life.