Does orthodontic treatment need have an impact on oral health-related quality of life?

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impairment in a national representative sample of 8 to 9 year olds in Germany and to evaluate the impact of orthodontic treatment need. METHODS: Data were collected in the Sixth German Oral Health Study (Sechste Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudie, DMS 6) and subjects were sampled using a multistage sampling technique. OHRQoL was measured with a modified version of the 5‑item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) which was administered in a computer-assisted personal interview. Children were also examined for malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need. RESULTS: In all, 1892 children aged 8–9 years were invited to take part. Finally, data of 705 children (48.6% female) could be included in the analysis. The OHIP‑5 mean was 1.3 (±2.0). There was no relevant influence from age and gender on the OHIP‑5 summary scores (r < 0.10), but the summary scores differed when analyzed separately regarding orthodontic treatment need or no orthodontic treatment need (1.5 ± 2.0 vs. 1.2 ± 1.9, p = 0.020). Nevertheless, the level appears to be low. CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusions with orthodontic treatment need have an influence on OHRQoL.