Self-Perception of Teeth Alignment and Colour in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with self-perception of teeth alignment and colour in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in public and private schools in Passo Fundo, Brazil. A representative sample of students aged 15 to 19 years were included. The outcome of this study was self-perception of teeth alignment and colour according to selected items from a structured and validated questionnaire (the Child's and Parent's Questionnaire about Teeth Appearance). Bivariate and multivariable analysis, using Poisson regression with robust variance, were used. A P value <.05 was established for statistical significance. RESULTS: The study included 736 adolescents. The worst self-perception of teeth alignment and colour was observed in 46.5% (n = 342) of the adolescents. Nonsmokers presented a prevalence ratio (PR) 29% lower (95% CI, 0.57-0.89) for the worst self-perception of teeth alignment and colour when compared to smokers/former smokers. Adolescents with highly educated mothers presented a lower prevalence of negative self-perception than those with mothers with a low level of education (PR: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51-0.86). Presence of orthodontic treatment with (PR: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94) or without (PR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.76) tooth whitening were associated with better self-perception of teeth alignment and colour. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to smoking and lower maternal level of education were associated with worse self-perception of teeth alignment and colour in adolescents. A history of orthodontic treatment with or without tooth whitening was associated with a lower concern with aesthetics.