Relationship between self-concept and satisfaction with tooth alignment and demand for orthodontic treatment and professionally determined orthodontic needs

Introduction: Recognition of psychological factors plays an important role in determination of orthodontic treatment needs as well as achieving a successful treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-concept, dentofacial body image, subjective orthodontic treatment needs and professionally determined needs for orthodontic treatment among a group of university students.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 164 students of Isfahan Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery were studied based on a simple sampling procedure. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire consisting of 40 questions, including 3 parts for measurement of self-concept, dentofacial body image and self-perceived treatment need. Professionally determined orthodontic need was assessed using IOTN by two orthodontists. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11. Statistical methods for standardization of questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha, Student’s t-test and Spearman’s correlation were used at a significance level of 0.05.Results: Statistically significant correlations were seen between participants' self-concept, dentofacial body image, subjective orthodontic need and the professionally determined orthodontic need, with Spearman’s correlation coefficients of -0.16, 0.19 and -0.036, respectively (p value < 0.05).Conclusion: The majority of the students were satisfied with their teeth alignment and the more satisfied they were, the higher self-concept they had, with lower demand for orthodontic treatment. Moreover, the orthodontic needs determined by orthodontists were less among students with high self-concept. Key words: Health services needs and demand, Malocclusion, Self-assessment, Self-concept.