Orthodontic Longitudinal Cohort
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does Orthodontic Treatment Improve the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Young People with Malocclusion? A longitudinal, Cohort Study
IRAS ID
214707
Contact name
Philip E. Benson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
There is evidence that the appearance of the teeth can adversely affect the social and emotional well-being of young people, particularly during adolescence. Malocclusion, usually described as crooked or prominent front teeth or gaps where teeth are missing, can cause concern and influence the way that a young person perceives themselves and their interaction with others in their community. Although a relationship between malocclusion and poor oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) has been shown, there is little evidence that correction of malocclusion, through orthodontic treatment with braces, improves OHQoL. We propose to carry out a study following a group of young people, aged 11 to 16 years, who are having braces in five centres - three orthodontic departments in dental teaching hospitals, one in a district general hospital and one specialist practice. The objective is to see how orthodontic treatment affects OHQoL. Data on OHQoL, clinical changes, self-esteem and socio-economic status (based on home postcode) will be collected, using validated questionnaires, at the start of treatment and at the first retainer review, 6 weeks to 15 weeks after the brace has been removed. We also propose to follow participants up for 9 to 15 months after the braces have been removed. These data will be compared with previous data collected, over 3 years, with young people of a similar age, from schools in the UK and New Zealand. In addition, we will recruit a group of young people, on a waiting list, who will be followed-up for a minimum of 12 months before they receive orthodontic treatment. We will look at any changes in OHQoL and investigate the relationships between clinical status and other factors according to two models of health.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0204
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion