Changes in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, Esthetic Self-Perception, and Social Confidence After Orthodontic Treatment in Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion during adolescence may negatively influence perceived oral function, self-image, and social participation, making orthodontic treatment relevant to both clinical and psychosocial well-being. Objective: To assess changes in oral health-related quality of life, esthetic self-perception, and social confidence before and after orthodontic treatment initiation in adolescents. Methods: A descriptive observational pre–post study was conducted in South Punjab, Pakistan, over three months. Adolescents aged 12–18 years undergoing orthodontic treatment for the first time were recruited using consecutive sampling. Standardized self-administered questionnaires were completed at baseline and at three months to assess oral health-related quality of life, esthetic self-perception, and social confidence. Data were summarized using means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages, with changes presented descriptively. Results: A total of 68 adolescents completed baseline and follow-up assessments (mean age 15.2 ± 1.8 years; 52.9% female). Oral health-related quality of life increased from 42.6 ± 8.9 at baseline to 63.8 ± 7.4 at three months (Δ +21.2). Esthetic self-perception increased from 28.4 ± 6.7 to 46.1 ± 5.9 (Δ +17.7), and social confidence increased from 31.9 ± 7.2 to 52.3 ± 6.5 (Δ +20.4), with reduced variability across outcomes at follow-up. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment initiation was associated with early descriptive improvements in oral health-related quality of life, esthetic self-perception, and social confidence among adolescents