OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of moderate and severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta on the quality of life and self-esteem of affected adult patients. METHODS: Forty one adult patients (aged 18-45 years) with clinical and radiological diagnoses of moderate to severe hypodontia and twenty seven patients diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta were age and gender matched with a control group of patients attending for routine dental care. Subjects completed the Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-49] and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. A paired t-test was used to analyse data; the test alpha level was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The results for hypodontia patients were significantly different from controls in six out of the seven OHIP-49 domains, the exception being the Handicap domain. Total scores were also significantly different between the two groups (P=0.003). Self-esteem was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.98). For amelogenesis imperfecta patients the results were significantly different from control patients in four out of the seven domains of the OHIP-49 and also in the total scores (P=0.01). When self-esteem was investigated there was no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta have marked negative impacts on the Oral Health Related quality of life of this patient population relative to controls. However, self-esteem was not significantly affected.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of moderate and severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta on the quality of life and self-esteem of affected adult patients. METHODS: Forty one adult patients (aged 18-45 years) with clinical and radiological diagnoses of moderate to severe hypodontia and twenty seven patients diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta were age and gender matched with a control group of patients attending for routine dental care. Subjects completed the Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-49] and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale. A paired t-test was used to analyse data; the test alpha level was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The results for hypodontiapatients were significantly different from controls in six out of the seven OHIP-49 domains, the exception being the Handicap domain. Total scores were also significantly different between the two groups (P=0.003). Self-esteem was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.98). For amelogenesis imperfectapatients the results were significantly different from control patients in four out of the seven domains of the OHIP-49 and also in the total scores (P=0.01). When self-esteem was investigated there was no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate to severe hypodontia and amelogenesis imperfecta have marked negative impacts on the Oral Health Related quality of life of this patient population relative to controls. However, self-esteem was not significantly affected.